The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD) and other key partners, has begun reviewing the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.
The goal is to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for farmers, especially women, who play a crucial role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Introduced in 2019, the policy was meant to remove barriers preventing women from thriving in agriculture. However, despite their vital contributions, many women in rural areas still struggle with limited access to land, loans, and essential farming resources.
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These challenges have made it difficult for them to compete and succeed in the industry.
Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, explained why the review is necessary. Represented by Mrs. Kachallah Damaturu, Director of Special Duties, he pointed out that the policy’s five-year lifespan had ended, and it needed to be updated to reflect current realities.
He emphasized that collaboration between government agencies, private organizations, and civil society is key to making a meaningful impact.
Mrs. Damaturu highlighted that this review is not just a bureaucratic process but an opportunity to break down the barriers holding women back. She encouraged all stakeholders to contribute fresh ideas that would make the agricultural sector more accessible and fair for everyone.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, also weighed in on the importance of this review.
Represented by Adamu Samaila Web, Director of Gender Affairs, she stressed the need for the policy to truly reflect the changing needs of women, men, and young people in agriculture. She also called for a stronger voice for marginalized groups to ensure that no one is left behind.
The workshop featured discussions on the progress made since 2019, challenges that still exist, and ways to address them. Experts also presented findings on gender-based violence in agricultural systems, highlighting the need for stronger protections for women and young farmers.
Stakeholders agreed that the updated policy should provide better support for women and youth while tackling the inequalities that have held them back for too long.
As Nigeria moves forward with this review, the hope is that a fairer and more inclusive agricultural system will emerge, benefiting farmers across the country.
