By Ify Onyekwere
In Nigeria, agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing substantially to the nation’s GDP. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resource access, which have exacerbated the country’s food insecurity crisis. Recent research and policy discussions increasingly emphasize women’s critical role in agriculture, particularly in ensuring food security and driving rural development. Women in Nigeria contribute immensely to farming, processing, and trading, yet they often encounter barriers such as restricted access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights that if women had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase farm yields by 20-30%, reducing the number of hungry people globally by 12-17%. In Nigeria, where food insecurity is a pressing issue, the empowerment of women in agriculture is not just a matter of gender equality—it is a crucial strategy for national development. By fostering greater involvement of women in agriculture, Nigeria can significantly enhance food production, boost economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of millions of households.
It is within this context that the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON (Dan Majen Gombe), has voiced strong support for increasing women’s participation in agriculture. Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the governor emphasized that agriculture remains the most viable solution to Nigeria’s food insecurity, particularly when women are actively involved.
During a recent meeting with the National Coordinator of the Nigeria Women for Agricultural Progressive Development Initiative (NWAPDI), Farmer Omolara Svensson, Dr. Jatau underscored the state government’s commitment to prioritizing agriculture as a key driver of socio-economic development. He noted that Gombe State, blessed with abundant agricultural resources, is strategically positioned to lead in this area.
“About 70% of our population is engaged in agriculture,” Dr. Jatau stated, highlighting the sector’s significance in Gombe. “Agriculture is not only a remedy for economic challenges but also a critical tool for achieving food security. However, the sector faces several challenges, including climate change, which has led to decreased rainfall. Despite these obstacles, we are mobilizing resources and encouraging women to engage in irrigation farming, which offers a more sustainable and reliable solution.”
Dr. Jatau emphasized that the state government is taking full advantage of initiatives like the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program, a U.S.-sponsored initiative aimed at maximizing the entire agricultural value chain for revenue generation and development. Additionally, the governor’s administration recently introduced a cassava farming program that involves all local government areas and actively promotes the participation of women, recognizing their crucial role in combating food insecurity.
He further called on women in Gombe State to embrace the opportunities presented by the NWAPDI program and other government policies designed to support their involvement in agriculture. “With your involvement, we can overcome the challenges we face and make significant progress in achieving food security and economic stability,” Dr. Jatau remarked.
Farmer Omolara Svensson, the National Coordinator of NWAPDI, provided insights into the program’s objectives during her visit. She explained that NWAPDI aims to engage women across the entire agricultural value chain, from farming to processing, exporting, and trading. Svensson emphasized the strategic importance of Gombe State’s fertile land, noting that effective collaboration with the state government could lead to substantial job creation and the eradication of food insecurity.
Farmer Omolara expressed optimism about the potential impact of a partnership between NWAPDI and the Gombe State government, particularly in enhancing agricultural production and empowering women, including those who are physically challenged. The organization’s structure is designed to operate at all levels, from national to local, ensuring that women across Nigeria have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from agricultural activities.
The meeting, which took place in the office of the deputy governor, also included key government officials such as Mrs. Larai Maigari, the Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Governor’s Office, and Mr. Abubakar Lawan Dongs, the Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor. Their presence underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote women’s involvement in agriculture as a pathway to sustainable development.
The collaboration between the Gombe State government and NWAPDI exemplifies the growing recognition of the vital role that women play in agriculture. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of food insecurity, initiatives that empower women in agriculture are essential to achieving the broader goals of economic growth, rural development, and sustainable livelihoods.
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I am happy that Farmer Omolara Svensson is the National Coordinator of NWAPDI