- Forum calls for inclusion of women, youth, and PWDs in food systems.
- Stakeholders discuss equitable access to resources and opportunities.
- Policy review aims to strengthen gender-responsive agriculture.
ActionAid Nigeria has urged policymakers to prioritize smallholder women farmers, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the development of Nigeria’s food system during a consultative forum in Kano.
According to Eko Hot Blog, the organization stressed that the voices of marginalized groups must be central in shaping agricultural policies to ensure fairness, sustainability, and national food security. The blog highlighted that while gender-focused initiatives exist, gaps remain in access, decision-making, and inclusion, which hinder equitable participation in agriculture.
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The North West Zonal Consultative Forum, organized by ActionAid Nigeria, convened government officials, development partners, and civil society organizations to review the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action for 2025–2030. Blessing Akhile, Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor at ActionAid, emphasized that integrating perspectives of women, youth, and PWDs is crucial for building a more inclusive food system.
Akhile noted that although the 2019 policy has made progress toward reducing gender disparities in agricultural value chains, emerging challenges demand timely adaptation. She said an inclusive approach would not only empower marginalized groups but also contribute significantly to national development.
Juliette Lampoh-Agroh of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) highlighted that persistent gender gaps limit the agricultural sector’s potential. She described the policy review and the development of the new strategic plan as key to promoting equity, ensuring access to resources, and strengthening the participation of vulnerable groups.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Mrs. Kachallah Damaturu, Director of Special Duties, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviewing and strengthening the National Gender Policy. He emphasized that effective implementation is essential to address the challenges rural women farmers face.
The forum also served as a platform for stakeholders from women farmers’ groups, youth networks, and development agencies, including GIZ, to share insights and recommendations for making Nigeria’s agricultural sector more inclusive and sustainable. Participants stressed that without targeted inclusion of marginalized groups, the country’s food systems would remain inefficient and inequitable.
As the review process continues, ActionAid Nigeria and its partners aim to ensure that the revised policy framework guarantees fair participation, better access to resources, and stronger protection for the rights of women, youth, and PWDs in agriculture.
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