The Program Coordinator at Women in Agriculture and Sustainable Development (WASD), Agnes Fred, has said limited access to land is a major barrier to women’s involvement in agriculture.
She underlined that access to and ownership of land remain significant barriers to women’s participation in agricultural production and ensuring the country’s food security.
Despite their important role in food production, Madam Fred emphasised the difficulties women experience in obtaining farmland during her speech at the recent Daylong Agriculture Journalism course in Monrovia.
Although women comprise a sizable portion of Liberia’s agricultural labour force, she pointed out that many of them lack authority over the land they work.
She explained that this limits their ability to expand their farming activities, secure financial support, and improve their livelihoods.
The female Agriculture specialist passionately appealed to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to intervene and support women in securing farmland.
She urged these institutions to create policies and initiatives to grant women easier access to agricultural land, making them key contributors to the nation’s agricultural growth.
“We are calling on the FAO and MOA to assist women farmers in obtaining land for agricultural purposes.
Without land, women cannot engage in sustainable farming, affecting their economic empowerment and Liberia’s food production,” Fred stated.
In addition to appealing to policymakers, Fred called on the media to advocate for women in agriculture.
She encouraged journalists and media institutions to highlight women’s challenges, create awareness, and mobilise support from both governmental and non-governmental organisations.
“The media has a critical role in ensuring that the voices of women in agriculture are heard.
She added, ” We need strong advocacy to push for policies enabling women to own and access farmland without restrictions. “
Women’s involvement in agriculture is crucial for national development.
Experts suggest that providing women with secure access to land will enhance their productivity, improve household nutrition, reduce poverty, and strengthen Liberia’s agricultural sector.
Stakeholders, including government departments, businesspeople, and civil society groups, must cooperate to Implement land reform laws that uphold women’s ownership and use rights and provide women farmers with financial and technical assistance to expand their farming operations.
Encourage the growth of agricultural cooperatives so that women can buy and manage land together.
With the correct assistance, women may contribute substantially to Liberia’s agricultural growth, guaranteeing future generations’ food security and economic viability.
Now, stakeholders, donors, and legislators must take action. Investing in women’s agriculture is an investment in Liberia’s future.
Source: All Africa
