Women Farmers in Nasarawa State Lament Flood-Related Losses

Strategic Insights -

Women farmers in Nasarawa State are reeling from an estimated N500 million in losses to flood, which has affected over 15,000 farmers across 13 local government areas. The flood has also hindered the socio-economic lives of these farmers, with many fearing hunger if no intervention comes their way soon. The women, who were joined by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and other partners, demanded that priority needs of small-holder women farmers be advanced to boost food production and improve their socio-economic status.

Key Takeaways:

  • The flood has resulted in estimated losses of N500 million to food crops, with over 15,000 women farmers affected across 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State.
  • The women farmers have called for advancement of priority needs, including provision of farmlands, micro credits, loans, and subsidies to improve production.
  • Poor access and ownership of farmlands, rising insecurity, and difficulty in accessing micro credits and loans are major challenges faced by women farmers in the state.
  • The Nigerian agricultural labor force is dominated by women farmers, who constitute over 70% of the entire agricultural labor force.
  • Women farmers have donated significantly to food security in Nasarawa State, but face various challenges that hinder their productivity and livelihood.
  • The women farmers have demanded the creation of a special intervention fund, provision of farm inputs, fertilisers, agro chemicals, improved seeds, and seedlings.

Statistics:

  • Estimated losses to food crops due to flood: N500 million
  • Number of women farmers affected: over 15,000
  • Percentage of agricultural labor force dominated by women farmers: over 70%
  • Estimated losses to crops in Lafia Local Government alone: N50 million

Sources:

  • Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation
  • Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
  • Community Based Agriculture Extension Support Services
  • Association of Small-Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN)
  • Young Men's Christian Association's of Nigeria
  • Oxfam in Nigeria