By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration 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 meeting, supported by AGRA, GIZ and Care International, gathered stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, women farmers’ groups, youth networks, and development partners.
Speaking at the forum, the Ministry’s Director of Special Duties, Kachalla Damaturu, said the consultation was designed to capture the voices of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in shaping Nigeria’s agricultural future. She noted that the policy review builds on the achievements of the 2019 National Gender Policy, which sought to address gender gaps in access to land, finance, extension services, and agricultural decision-making.
ActionAid’s Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor, Blessing Akhile, stressed that while the policy has advanced equity and productivity, new challenges demand timely review. She said the process ensures that grassroots voices—especially smallholder women farmers are meaningfully represented.
AGRA Nigeria’s Programme Officer, Esther Ibrahim, described agriculture as the backbone of Africa’s economy and pledged AGRA’s support to dismantle barriers limiting youth and women’s participation.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Tanko Tunga, represented by Director of Admin and Supplies Zachariah Christopher, urged participants to propose strategies that would strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
