Female farmers under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Nasarawa State have signaled a major shift from traditional subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, transforming into commercial seed producers, food processors, and micro-entrepreneurs.
The declaration was made by Chairperson of the State Women Network, Mrs. Victoria Ogoshi, during a state event commemorating the United Nations International Year of Women Farmers, in Lafia the state capital.
Voice of Nigeria report that the theme of this year “International Year of the Women Farmer: Celebrating Women Farmers: Driving Food Security, Inclusive Agricfood Systems and Rural Prosperity’’.
Speaking on behalf of network members across five participating local government areas, Ogoshi highlighted how VCDP interventions have empowered rural women to move beyond basic crop production into high-value processing, packaging, and digital marketing.
“Women across Nasarawa have formed formal cooperative structures, establishing micro-enterprises ranging from large-scale cassava and rice seed production to commercial bakery operations supplying multiple local government areas”.
“Utilizing training under the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), beneficiaries are recycling agricultural waste such as rice husks and cassava peels into high-quality fuel briquettes for domestic and commercial use”.
“The network has also conducted financial literacy courses, campaigns against gender-based violence, and engages in dispute resolution to promote marital stability within rural communities”,
Mrs Ogoshi further explained that some challenges facing female farmers which includes: Land Tenure & Rights, Financial Access, Input distribution, and Rural infrastructure.
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Despite these advancements, agricultural stakeholders at the event emphasized that systemic barriers continue to hinder female producers from reaching full capacity.
State Program Coordinator of VCDP, Dr. Eunice Adgidzi, reaffirmed the program’s commitment to expanding women’s participation in agri-food systems and breaking down traditional barriers.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Commissioner of Agriculture, Permanent Secretary Hajia Salamatu Sani Osaze emphasized that securing land rights for women is directly linked to regional food security.
Also Representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Social Welfare Officer Hajia Aisha Jibrin Yaro, further urged female farmers to maximize VCDP capacity-building opportunities to establish Nasarawa State as a national hub for female-driven commercial agriculture.
