Stakeholders Ask Kaduna Govt To Domesticate National Gender Policy On Agrifood

Stakeholders have urged Kaduna State government to domesticate and implement the Revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation for Nigeria and its Strategic Plan of Action (NGPAST, 2025–2030).

They also advised the government to integrate the Revised National Youth Manifesto in Agriculture for Nigeria (2025–2030) into state plans and budgets, “particularly its priorities on land and inputs, markets and finance, innovation and digital agritech, climate resilience, GESI, governance and mento1ing.”

The requests are contained in a communique signed by the national president, Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mohammed B. Ashafa, civil society organisations representative, Emmanuel Benet, policy and partnership lead, Sahel Consulting, Dr Joseph Apeh, on behalf of the participants at the end of the market systems symposium in commemoration of World Agriculture Day 2026 held in Kaduna organised by Sahel Consulting in collaboration with Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture under the Global Affairs Canada-funded RISE project.

The communique, however, commended the commitment of the Kaduna State Government to agricultural development, food security, employment creation and the economic empowerment of women and youth.

Parts of the communique stated, “Government should intervene in transportation system in the state by providing access road for efficient transportation of agricultural produce. Agricultural extension agents should be directly involved in facilitating government grants to farmers, as their presence at the grassroots level ensures the support reaches the intended beneficiaries”

“Cooperative societies should be strengthened and election of trustworthy leaders for effective service delivery. Ensure that agricultural programmes, subsidised inputs and equipment reach intended beneficiaries, with particular attention to women, youth and persons with disabilities”, the communique said.