Nigeria’s food security landscape is evolving, with women playing an increasingly significant role in agriculture. Millions of Nigerians rely on female farmers for food production, processing, and distribution. However, despite their contributions, many women in agriculture face systemic barriers that hinder their productivity and economic potential. Addressing these challenges through gender-inclusive policies and support systems will not only empower female farmers but also enhance national food security in Nigeria.
Women in agriculture encounter numerous obstacles, ranging from limited access to land and financial resources to exclusion from agricultural training and market opportunities. These challenges reduce their efficiency and limit their impact on food security.
Many of the challenges they face include:
In many parts of Nigeria, traditional and cultural practices restrict women’s rights to own land, making it difficult for them to expand their farming activities. Without land ownership or substantial collateral, female farmers struggle to secure loans, access credit, or invest in modern farming tools. This financial exclusion hinders productivity and contributes to continued poverty cycles. Knowing how to access financial resources is also another challenge for women in Agriculture.
Agricultural extension services are designed to introduce farmers to modern techniques and innovations. However, many training programs are not tailored to women’s unique needs, often excluding them due to inconvenient schedules, distant locations, or male-dominated learning environments. Without access to updated knowledge and technology, female farmers face difficulties in improving crop yields and adopting sustainable farming practices.
Women often lack access to structured markets and supply chains, limiting their ability to sell produce at competitive prices. With restricted mobility, fewer business networks, and limited bargaining power, female farmers are often forced to sell their goods at lower prices, reducing their income and overall economic impact.
Women in agriculture often face challenges due to a lack of access to appropriate education that equips them with essential knowledge about the industry. Agriculture encompasses much more than just planting and harvesting; it also involves managing an agribusiness effectively. To succeed in this field, it is important for individuals to acquire either formal or informal education that provides a comprehensive understanding of agricultural practices and business management.
Despite these challenges, increased gender inclusion in agriculture is transforming the sector. Through government policies, financial interventions, and external support, women are beginning to maximise their potential, contributing significantly to food security in Nigeria. To fully harness the potential of women in agriculture, targeted interventions are needed to promote gender inclusion. Some key strategies include:
Initiatives like Sterling Bank’s Sway Ag-Fin Program, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, are providing women in agriculture with access to low-interest loans, allowing them to invest in their farms. Over $33 million has been disbursed, benefiting over 20,000 female farmers. Increased financial inclusion empowers women to expand agricultural production, reduce poverty, and improve economic stability.
Studies show that women are more likely to reinvest in family nutrition, education, and healthcare. By empowering female farmers with resources and training, households can benefit from better food availability year-round, reducing malnutrition rates. Research suggests that improved women’s participation in agriculture can increase food production by 30% and decrease global hunger by 17%.
Women-led agricultural cooperatives provide a platform for resource-sharing, bulk purchasing, and improved market access. Cooperative farming allows female farmers to collectively bargain for better prices and invest in shared equipment, reducing production costs.
The rise of women in agriculture is a promising development for Nigeria’s food security. Female farmers already form the backbone of food production, and by ensuring equitable access to land, financial resources, training, and markets, Nigeria can unlock their full potential. Gender-inclusive agricultural policies and targeted interventions will boost food security and contribute to economic growth and national development. Empowering women in agriculture is a critical step toward a more food-secure Nigeria.
