Agricultural Experts seek funding for Nigerian women farmers

Agricultural experts have called for financial support for Nigerian women farmers in the agricultural value chain to boost productivity and attain food security in the country.

They made the call during a webinar organized by the USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (WATIH), in collaboration with the Borderless Trade Network.

“Women produce the bulk of food consumed domestically in Nigeria but have limited access to land and finance to boost production,” they said.

Speaking on the theme: “Empowering Nigerian Women Farmers & Bridging the Financial Inclusion Gap,” the Chief of Party, USAID WATIH, Robin Wheeler, said women smallholder farmers constitute about 70 to 80 percent of the agriculture labour force in Nigeria, adding that they are the drivers of food processing, marketing and preservation.

On women-driven initiatives facilitated by WACOT Rice to support women farmers, Project Manager, Outgrower Scheme Programme, WACOT Rice, Habiba Sulaiman, said it was imperative to work with and support women farmers to boost rural agricultural productivity.

“We are particular about assisting women farmers. We have helped as many as we can as a company through our various projects and programs.

“We have sensitized women farmers on the need to fully utilize the various opportunities made available to them by the company.

“One of the key constraints faced by women farmers is poor funding.

“WACOT is doing its best to change the narrative.

“We have provided finances for most farmers in addition to farmland but there is still a lot to be done.

“Also, we have conducted training to boost their skills and productivity,” she added.

On her part, Senior Associate, Corporate Finance, Babban Gona, Banke Olukanmi, explained that one of the major causes of poor women participation in agricultural initiatives was the cultural gender bias, saying most women in the northern part of Nigeria were not allowed by their fathers and husbands to farm.

To reverse the trend, she said,

“We have sensitized most of the men in the rural areas to enable them to understand the benefits of their women being actively involved in agriculture as this will generate more income for the family and improve the standard of living for the community.

“Through our efforts, we were able to support 20,000 women farmers. They were trained and given credit packages without interest.

“This was to encourage more women’s participation in the programme,” Olukanmi stated.

Source: Agro Nigeria