IWD 2024: Nigerian Women Revolutionizing Agriculture on International Women’s Day

By Ify Onyekwere

Amidst the vibrant hues of celebratory banners and the energizing chatter of women from all walks of life, the 7th of March 2024 marked a significant milestone in the annals of Nigerian agriculture and women empowerment. It was a day when the corridors of power resonated with the voices of change, as the 1st States Coordinators Inauguration, encompassing all 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), unfolded alongside the fervent commemoration of International Women’s Day. Organized by the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progress, the event not only heralded the dawn of a new era in leadership but also served as a poignant reminder of the indispensable role women play in the agricultural landscape of Nigeria.

Before now, the perception of women in agriculture was often shaped by traditional gender roles and societal norms. In many cultures, agriculture was primarily viewed as a male-dominated domain, with men typically assuming roles related to land ownership, crop cultivation, and decision-making. Women, on the other hand, were often relegated to auxiliary roles such as tending to domestic animals, gathering wild plants, or assisting with household chores related to food processing and preparation.

Over time, efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment have gradually begun to challenge traditional stereotypes and barriers in agriculture. With increased recognition of women’s contributions and rights, coupled with targeted interventions to address gender disparities, women in agriculture are increasingly gaining visibility and voice in shaping the future of food production and rural development.

Professor Faith Debaniyu Ibrahim, a luminary in Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, took to the stage to underscore the pivotal significance of women’s leadership in agriculture. In her impassioned speech at the event, she delineated how access to information and opportunities at governmental levels can catalyze transformative change, emphasizing that the voice of women in leadership positions serves as the beacon guiding the empowerment of women across the agricultural spectrum. With eloquence, she emphasized the essence of capacity building, asserting that continuous learning and adaptation are indispensable for progress in all facets of agricultural endeavours.

Following Professor Ibrahim’s stirring address, Yejide Oyedipe, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, graced the podium to convey the unequivocal appreciation of the nation’s leader for the invaluable contributions of women in agriculture. Expressing the president’s unwavering commitment to agricultural development and women’s empowerment, Oyedipe elucidated on the government’s initiatives aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity. With clarity and conviction, she outlined ambitious plans to cultivate vast swathes of land for staple crops like rice, cassava, and maize, promising substantial support for farmers, particularly women, to thrive in their endeavours. Her impassioned plea resonated with urgency, calling upon the women of the nation to seize the moment and partake in shaping a prosperous future through agriculture.

Amidst the resounding applause, Omolara Svensson, the National Coordinator of the National Women for Agricultural Progress, took center stage, radiating an aura of determination and solidarity. Acknowledging the presence of women representing every corner of Nigeria, she emphasized the importance of inclusivity and adherence to established protocols in fostering unity and progress. Her words echoed a promise of unwavering support and advocacy for women in agriculture, reaffirming her dedication to championing their cause.

As the event unfurled, a resounding slogan permeated the air, encapsulating the collective ethos of the gathering: “GREAT WOMEN, GREAT NATION; NO FARMERS, NO NATION; NO WOMEN, NO FOOD ON THE TABLE.” It was a rallying cry, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Nigerian women in agriculture, poised to transcend barriers and sow the seeds of prosperity for generations to come.

In the embrace of camaraderie and shared purpose, the 1st States Coordinator’s Inauguration and the celebration of International Women’s Day emerged not merely as isolated events but as poignant milestones in a journey towards gender equality and agricultural transformation. With each impassioned speech, each resolute commitment, the narrative of women in Nigerian agriculture was rewritten, infused with hope, resilience, and a steadfast determination to cultivate a future where every woman’s voice is heard, and every table is adorned with the fruits of her labor.

The event served as a poignant reminder of the critical role women play in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. According to Professor Ibrahim, women contribute significantly to food production, accounting for 70% to 80% of the country’s total food output. However, their contributions extend beyond mere production; they are the backbone of food distribution and accessibility. Yet, despite their pivotal role, women in agriculture face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, inadequate support systems, and societal biases.

The 1st States Coordinator’s Inauguration and celebration of International Women’s Day represented a watershed moment in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. As women from across the nation gathered to commemorate their achievements and chart a course for the future, they reaffirmed their commitment to building a more equitable, sustainable agricultural sector. With their voices united in purpose and their resolve unwavering, Nigerian women in agriculture stand poised to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and transform their nation’s food systems for the better.