Unlocking Opportunities for Women Farmers in Nigeria

Strategic Insights -

Nigeria's women farmers play a vital role in driving food security, with over 50 percent of the country's farming population comprised of women. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), women farmers are the largest growers of fruits and nuts, and agricultural households championed by women have been reported to be more food secure. However, despite their significance, women farmers face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and essential resources. To address these challenges and unlock new opportunities, Nigeria's government and organizations are urging women farmers to adopt an agro-processing approach, which will ensure that farmers' livelihoods are positively impacted.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 50 percent of Nigeria's farming population is comprised of women, emphasizing their crucial role in driving food security.
  • Women farmers are the largest growers of fruits and nuts, and agricultural households championed by women have been reported to be more food secure.
  • Women farmers face significant challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and essential resources, despite their resilience and expertise in driving economic growth and poverty reduction.
  • Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos, acknowledged the pivotal role of women in agriculture, stating that they make up over half of small and medium farm population, and play a critical role across the country.
  • The Lagos State government, through its five-year development roadmap, is committed to achieving a healthy and sustainable subsistence economy with targeted investments in agriculture, specifically empowering female farmers.
  • Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State governor, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the role of women in agriculture and empowering them through training and support programs.
  • Women farmers in Lagos face challenges such as insecurity, lack of access to credit and equipment, and difficulty in accessing loans, lands, and training.
  • The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) notes that only a small portion of development funding for food and farming initiatives accounts for the prominent role of women and their gender-related barriers.

Statistics:

  • Over 50 percent of Nigeria's farming population is comprised of women (NBS)
  • Women farmers are the largest growers of fruits and nuts (NBS)
  • Only a small portion of development funding for food and farming initiatives accounts for the prominent role of women and their gender-related barriers (FAO)
  • Lagos State government commits to achieving a healthy and sustainable subsistence economy through targeted investments and initiatives in agriculture (Governor's Remarks)
  • Women farmers make up over half of small and medium farm population (Governor's Remarks)

Sources:

  • National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
  • Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos
  • Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State governor
  • Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)