Abuja: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says the gender gap in Nigeria’s agricultural productivity costs the country $2.3 billion annually, equivalent to two per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Jimmy Owani, Officer-in-Charge (OIC), FAO Representation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, made this statement at the commemoration of the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer on Tuesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Owani emphasized that closing the gender gap would present a significant opportunity to accelerate agricultural transformation, strengthen food security, and drive inclusive economic growth. He urged for immediate action to enhance women’s leadership and economic empowerment within Nigeria’s agrifood system, highlighting that investing in women farmers is essential for national food security.
The FAO representative mentioned that the UN General Assembly has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer to acknowledge women’s roles in agrifood systems and to expedite efforts to dismantle the barriers hindering their participation. Owani noted that women are crucial to agrifood systems, constituting about 41 per cent of the global agrifood workforce and fulfilling key roles across various agricultural sectors.
He pointed out the persistence of significant inequalities in access to essential resources, finance, services, technologies, markets, and decision-making opportunities. FAO estimates suggest that eliminating gender disparities in productivity and wages could contribute nearly one trillion US dollars to the global economy and alleviate food insecurity for millions.
Owani further explained that agriculture accounts for 22 to 25 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and supports over 70 per cent of rural households. Despite being major contributors to the country’s food supply, women continue to encounter structural barriers. He noted that women contribute an estimated 37 per cent of labor in crop production alone, yet face challenges in accessing land, finance, agricultural services, improved technologies, and leadership roles.
He emphasized that the cost of inequality amounts to about two per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, representing an untapped opportunity to fast-track agricultural transformation and inclusive growth. Owani urged stakeholders to recognize women as decision-makers, innovators, investors, and leaders in various agricultural and financial sectors.
He concluded with a call to action, stressing the importance of removing barriers that limit women’s potential, expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises, and reinforcing women’s leadership. Owani affirmed that when women farmers succeed, families prosper, rural economies flourish, and communities become stronger.