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Paper short abstract:

This study examines intrahousehold dynamics in rural households in Southwest Nigeria, focusing on decision-making and gender roles. Findings reveal that men dominate decisions, with evolving farming roles due to outsourced labour, while women’s traditional responsibilities remain largely unchanged.

Paper long abstract:

Understanding intrahousehold dynamics is crucial for the success of development interventions aimed at food security and economic empowerment. Many development projects fail due to limited insight into the intricate interactions within beneficiaries' households. Empowerment programmes often focus solely on women, neglecting the household context influencing intervention outcomes. This study examines the decision-making processes, resource allocation, and evolving gender roles within cassava-producing households in rural Southwest Nigeria using an explanatory mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was collected from 550 households, complemented by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

Findings show that the husbands make final decisions on most matters, and the major reason pointed out by men and women when asked separately is that the men are the head of the household. Joint decision-making between husbands and wives closely followed, while the involvement of other household members is less common. The study highlights a notable shift in men’s traditional roles, with tasks like land clearing, preparation, and harvesting increasingly outsourced, providing men with more time for leisure and other economic activities. Meanwhile, women’s roles, such as cassava processing, product sales, and domestic responsibilities, remain unchanged.

These findings underscore the importance of involving men in women’s empowerment initiatives, as cultural and religious norms strongly reinforce the perception of men as household heads. Without this inclusive approach, many women would remain constrained by the need to seek male approval for full participation in development interventions. This study highlights the need for development interventions to account for intrahousehold dynamics to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability.