ABSTRACT:

The study examined the factors influencing women’s participation in agriculture-based cooperative societies in Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 80 respondents through a multistage random sampling procedure. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression model and 5-point Likert scale. The results revealed that a significant number of women were members of these cooperatives but participation in leadership roles remains limited. Most (45.3%, 87.5%, 45.0%) of women were middle-aged, married, and had at least secondary education respectively. Farming was the dominant primary occupation, with moderate experience. The results from the logistic regression analysis revealed that age, marital status, traditional roles and responsibilities, support from communities and male counterparts, interest in leadership, role models in the cooperative, educational qualification, cooperative support, policies promoting women’s leadership, leadership training programs and network of mentors and sponsors significantly influenced leadership participation. Mentorship programs and flexible work arrangements are highly favored strategies for leadership development. Therefore, it is recommended that agriculture-based cooperative societies should increase the representation of women in leadership by setting targets for gender diversity in leadership positions and by implementing programs to develop and promote women leaders effectively in the study area.