FG, ActionAid Lead Stakeholders in North Central Forum on Gender Policy in Agriculture

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, on Tuesday convened a North Central zonal consultative forum in Lafia, Nasarawa State, to review the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030).

The event, supported by AGRA, GIZ, and Care International, brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society, women farmers’ groups, youth networks, and development partners to ensure inclusivity in shaping Nigeria’s agricultural policies.

Speaking at the one-day session, the Ministry’s Director of Special Duties, Kachalla Damaturu, explained that the forum was designed to reflect the unique needs of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in the revised policy. She stressed that grassroots participation is vital for aligning the plan with Nigeria’s agricultural future.

“This builds on the momentum of the maiden review held in Abuja earlier this year, which set the stage for advancing gender equality in agriculture,” Damaturu noted, while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to initiatives that empower women and youths in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agricultural agenda.

ActionAid Nigeria’s Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor, Blessing Akhile, highlighted that the forum provides a platform to capture the voices of smallholder women farmers, young people, and persons with disabilities. She noted that since its adoption in 2019, the Gender Policy has helped close gaps in access to resources and boosted productivity, but new challenges necessitate this review.

AGRA’s Programme Officer, Esther Ibrahim, underscored agriculture’s role as Africa’s economic backbone, with women and youths forming the majority of smallholder farmers. She pledged AGRA’s continued support in dismantling barriers to participation and promoting an inclusive food system.

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Tanko Tunga, represented by Zachariah Christopher, welcomed participants and urged them to deliberate on strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The National Gender Policy in Agriculture, first adopted in 2019, was established to address inequalities in land ownership, access to finance, extension services, and decision-making. The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan seeks to build on past gains while tackling emerging gaps in the country’s evolving food system.