In a decisive move to bridge the gender gap within the agricultural sector, the Federal Government officially launched the National Gender Policy in Agrifood Systems and its accompanying Strategic Action Plan today in the nation’s capital.
The policy launch represents a critical milestone in the federal government’s efforts to ensure that women and youth who form the backbone of rural labor are no longer sidelined in the pursuit of food security.
A Commitment to Inclusive Growth
The formal unveiling was performed by the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, representing the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. During the ceremony, the Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to institutionalizing gender equality as a core pillar of Nigeria’s agricultural strategy.
The Minister emphasized that the policy is not merely a document but a blueprint for strengthening the active participation of marginalized groups, ensuring they have equitable access to resources, technology, and markets.
“The unveiling of this policy reaffirms our Ministry’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality. By addressing deep-seated inequalities, we are not only empowering individuals but strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s entire agrifood system,” the Minister stated.
Collaborative Development Across Six Zones
The development of the policy was lauded for its participatory and inclusive approach. Recognizing that agricultural challenges vary by region, the framework was built on extensive consultations and inputs from stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
This nationwide collaboration was spearheaded by ActionAid Nigeria in close partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The initiative also received technical and strategic support from key international and local partners, including GIZ, AGRA, and Sahel Consulting.
Closing the Inequality Gap
By providing a structured Strategic Action Plan, the policy aims to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s productivity in the agrifood space. Advocates at the launch noted that the successful implementation of this plan will lead to increased food production, improved rural livelihoods, and a more robust national economy.
As the policy moves from launch to implementation, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the strategic objectives translate into tangible benefits for millions of Nigerians involved in the agrifood value chain.
Share this
