FG Urged To Support Women Farmers’ Access To Land

Oxfam Nigeria and various stakeholders have urged the Nigerian government to address the challenges that farmers, particularly women, face in accessing land for farming in the country.

Speaking at an event with the theme: “Promoting the Role of Women Food Producers and Their Contribution to Food Security in Nigeria 2024” held in Abuja, the chairman of FCT All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ifraimu Dauda, stated that the primary obstacle remained the difficulty in acquiring land without adequate funds and the complexities associated with obtaining loans due to high interest rates and unaffordable collateral requirements.

Dauda noted that one common requirement from lenders is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) which often demands a substantial financial outlay, placing it beyond the reach of many struggling farmers.

He maintained that by addressing these issues, the government can help create a more inclusive and productive agricultural environment, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.

Country Director of Oxfam, John Makina, said women farmers play a crucial role in feeding the world. In Nigeria, it is reported that about 70% of women are taking the lead in food production.