POLITICAL ECONOMY OF FIREWOOD PRODUCTION AMONG THE GBAGYI WOMEN OF CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates firewood production among the Gbagyi women in Central Nigeria, employing a qualitative exploratory research. Through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and content analysis, the study explores the historical experiences, challenges, and cultural influences shaping the involvement of Gbagyi women in firewood production. By adopting feminist economics, the research highlights the intersectionality of gender, culture, and economic resilience, aiming to identify the often-overlooked contributions of Gbagyi women to socio-political and economic development of central Nigeria. The study concludes that Gbagyi women significantly contribute to poverty reduction, sociopolitical and economic development of central Nigeria in the face of modernization and changing energy preferences. It recommends policies supporting rural women's economic agency in the global South.