Read Online

Download PDF (EN)

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on improving gender-responsiveness of agricultural extension systems in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach - This paper adopts an exploratory method in a quasi-experimental research design. The primary data used were gleaned through a survey of a sample of 1200 respondents selected from all over the nine states of the region using multiple sampling techniques while the secondary data were generated from the publications of the MOCs, archives of the host communities as well as publications of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Findings - The results from the use of a combined propensity score matching and logit regression indicate that the little CSR intervention of the MOCs in the host communities toward access to agricultural extension services have made significant impact in the areas of women’s adoption and use of improve farming inputs and technology and has enhance the women’s economic capacity and general wellbeing.

Practical implications - This suggests that an increase in CSR targeted at agricultural extension in empowering women and increasing their incomes and their family’s food security, can bring knowledge and skills to those who need them the most.

Social implications - The findings play a significant role in identifying sources of bias and inequality, and bottlenecks in furthering studies on gender-sensitive impact assessment of reforms in extension systems, food security and agricultural development.  

Originality/ value - This research contributes to gender debate in agricultural extension from a CSR perspective in developing countries and explains the rationale for demands for social projects by host communities. It concludes that business has an obligation to help solve problems of public concern.

Keywords Gender, agricultural extension service, rural advisory services, corporate social responsibility, multinational oil companies, sub-Saharan Africa

Paper type Research paper