Gender Needs for Participation in Poverty Alleviation Programmes in Selected Villages of Kwara State, Nigeria

The study examined factors motivating men and women in terms of their gender needs to participate in poverty alleviation programmes in the rural areas of Kwara state. The subjects studied consisted of 186 men and women randomly sampled from two LGAs, and interviewed using a structured interview schedule. Data analysis involved the use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Die results showed that more participants were concerned about their strategic gender needs than the practical gender needs. The need for capital was the topmost priority for men and women participation. The strategic gender needs which were important for men participation in poverty alleviation programmes in the rural areas was esteem and for women were achievement and recognition. The practical gender needs that where determinants of participation were paying children's school fees and social engagement expenses for men while those for women were feeding, buying clothes and capital for establishing business venture.