Stakeholders seek enhanced women participation in agriculture

In a bid to address the long-standing gender disparities in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), through its HER+ Initiative, has called for improved access to agricultural land and resources for women. During a high-level dialogue held in Abuja, stakeholders emphasized the importance of integrating women’s perspectives into agricultural policy-making to ensure their inclusion in the sector’s development.

Jordan Kyle, lead of the HER+ Initiative’s voice work package, underscored the necessity of considering women’s unique challenges, especially in light of climate shocks. She noted that solutions developed without women’s voices would likely fail to address their specific needs effectively. Kyle further stressed the importance of increasing female representation in decision-making bodies, stating that societal transformation in agriculture depends on giving women a seat at the table.

The dialogue brought together government officials, civil society organizations, and researchers to explore innovative approaches for harnessing women’s potential in agriculture. A significant part of the discussion centered on the Women Empowerment in Agrifood Governance (WEAGov) framework, which aims to increase women’s influence on agricultural policy. The framework serves as a tool to help identify opportunities for elevating women’s voices in governance and policy formation.

Mrs. Ifeoma Anyanwu, Deputy Director of Gender Mainstreaming at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the importance of moving from dialogue to actionable policy implementation, using WEAGov as a trigger for activating policymaker attention. Several speakers, including a post-doctoral fellow from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, noted that women in Nigeria’s agriculture sector face significant restrictions in financial autonomy, technology usage, and leadership roles—challenges that hinder their overall productivity.

Professor Anthony Onoja from the University of Port Harcourt drew attention to climate change as a factor exacerbating women’s vulnerabilities in agriculture, calling for their inclusion in decision-making processes. Other participants echoed the need for co-designed research that includes women in climate adaptation strategies. As women constitute 65% of the rural labor force, their active inclusion is critical for closing gender gaps and advancing food security solutions in Nigeria, according to Hyacinth Edeh, who gave the opening remarks.
Source- Punch

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:

For Nigeria’s agricultural sector to thrive and contribute meaningfully to food security, gender equality must be a central focus. Women, who make up the majority of the rural labor force, face significant barriers in terms of land access, financial resources, and decision-making power. The recent call by the CGIAR’s HER+ Initiative to improve women’s access to these resources is timely, particularly as Nigeria grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and food insecurity.

Women are disproportionately affected by climate change, with many reliant on smallholder farming for their livelihoods. Yet, systemic disempowerment—ranging from limited financial autonomy to exclusion from leadership roles—continues to hamper their productivity. Women are often excluded from governance institutions that shape agricultural policies, leaving their needs unaddressed in policy formulations. This exclusion undermines efforts to build resilient agricultural systems that can withstand climate shocks and improve food security.

The introduction of the Women Empowerment in Agrifood Governance (WEAGov) framework is a positive step toward enhancing women’s influence in policy-making. By identifying entry points for increasing women’s representation in decision-making, WEAGov provides a structured approach to addressing gender disparities. This can lead to the development of more inclusive agricultural policies that reflect the unique needs of female farmers, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change.

From a stakeholder perspective, there are several critical areas that require attention:

Land Access and Financial Autonomy:
Women’s access to land and financial resources is crucial for increasing their agricultural productivity. The current limitations on women’s ability to own land and secure financing for agricultural projects put them at a disadvantage, reducing their contribution to food security. Stakeholders should advocate for policies that enhance women’s rights to land ownership and facilitate access to credit through women-targeted financial instruments.

Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices:
Women must be actively involved in climate adaptation strategies, as they are often the primary caretakers of household food production. Implementing gender-sensitive agricultural technologies and practices, such as drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems, can significantly boost their productivity and reduce their vulnerability to climate impacts. Stakeholders, including the government and private sector, should promote programs that enhance women’s knowledge of climate-smart agriculture.

Leadership and Decision-Making Inclusion:
Increasing women’s representation in agricultural decision-making bodies is essential for ensuring that policies reflect gendered realities. The inclusion of women in governance frameworks, such as WEAGov, will lead to more balanced and effective agricultural strategies. Public-private partnerships can also play a role in creating platforms where women can influence decisions that impact their livelihoods.

Technology and Innovation Integration:
Women in agriculture should have access to modern technologies that can enhance their productivity. Bridging the gender gap in technology usage—whether it is through mechanization, digital platforms for market access, or mobile-based financial services—can help women farmers thrive. Stakeholders need to invest in technology training programs that specifically target women, ensuring they are equipped to leverage these tools.

Policy Implementation and Monitoring:
The progress made through dialogues and frameworks like WEAGov must be followed by concrete policy actions. Stakeholders should work closely with government bodies to ensure that gender-focused policies are not only enacted but also properly funded and monitored for effectiveness. This will require a multi-sectoral approach, involving civil society organizations, researchers, and the private sector.

Empowering women in agriculture is not only a matter of gender equality but also a crucial strategy for enhancing Nigeria’s food security and climate resilience. By ensuring women’s voices are heard and their needs are met, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector and build a more sustainable, inclusive economy.