Federal Gov’t To Review Gender Policy On Agriculture

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD) and other stakeholders, has launched a review of the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.

The initiative seeks to foster sustainable agricultural practices, empower farmers, and enhance food security through gender-inclusive approaches.

Since its launch in 2019, the national gender policy on agriculture has faced significant hurdles, particularly in addressing the systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation in agriculture.

Despite rural women forming the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, they have struggled with limited access to resources such as land, credit facilities and agricultural inputs.

Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, noted that the policy had reached the end of its five-year lifespan and required updates to address gaps and align with emerging realities.

Represented by Mrs Kachallah Damaturu, director of special duties, Ogunbiyi stressed that the ministry’s mission is rooted in collaboration in partnerships with ICEHD, government agencies, civil society and the private sector to drive meaningful and complementary change.

Damaturu noted that the policy review goes beyond administrative formality but is an opportunity to enhance women’s participation, address barriers they face, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.

She called on stakeholders to contribute to bridging the gaps in the policy framework through innovative strategies.

Permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr Maryam Keshinro, represented by director of gender affairs, Adamu Samaila Web, described the review as a chance to reflect the evolving needs of women, men, and youths in the agricultural sector while ensuring that the voices of marginalised groups are amplified.

The workshop featured key discussions by the National Gender Steering Committee on the policy review process, an overview of the policy’s implementation since 2019, and a presentation on the findings of a situational analysis of gender-based violence in agrifood systems.

Stakeholders highlighted the need for a more inclusive framework to empower women and youths while addressing systemic inequalities.