Abuja: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has reported that its investments in Nigeria have positively impacted 96,827 women, enhancing their agricultural productivity, financial inclusion, and economic opportunities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Chioma Adiele-Okpara, IFAD Nigeria Country Programme Officer, shared this information during the commemoration of the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer in Abuja. The event, themed ‘Advancing Women’s Leadership and Economic Power in Nigeria’s Agrifood System,’ highlighted the achievements of women reached through three IFAD-supported programmes: the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project.
Adiele-Okpara emphasized that these programmes have enabled women to transition from subsistence farming to organized production, processing, and market engagement. “Through IFAD-supported investments, we have seen women move beyond subsistence farming into more organized production, processing, and market engagement. They have gained access to financial services and productive assets, strengthened their businesses, and increasingly participate in decisions within their households, organizations, and communities,” she stated.
The programmes are not only reaching women but are also enhancing their productive capacity, organizational strength, and access to knowledge and technology. Under VCDP, 87,888 women are members of supported rural producer organizations, 36,572 have been trained in crop production technologies, and 50,613 have accessed advisory services. LIFE-ND has trained 17,201 women, including those in crop production and fisheries, while SAPZ has trained 5,815 women in improved crop production practices. Climate resilience is a key focus, with women accessing climate information services and nearly 60,000 female household members supported by VCDP to cope with climate change effects.
Adiele-Okpara also noted that the programmes address interconnected challenges related to finance, nutrition, and economic opportunities. LIFE-ND’s financial inclusion efforts have enabled 11,003 women to access savings services, 9,568 to access credit, 11,382 to obtain insurance, and 14,654 to receive financial literacy training. Over 20,000 women across the programmes have received targeted nutrition support, while SAPZ is expanding women’s access to finance, producer organizations, and employment opportunities.
She urged government, development partners, and the private sector to increase investments in women’s productive capacity, enterprises, organizations, innovations, and leadership. “We must ensure that women are not simply included in agricultural programmes but are positioned as equal partners and decision-makers in transforming Nigeria’s agrifood systems,” she added.
IFAD remains committed to collaborating with government, development partners, the private sector, and women farmers to implement solutions that create lasting economic opportunities. The celebration serves as a recognition of women’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s agrifood systems and provides a platform to amplify their voices and address the challenges they face, such as access to land, finance, technology, and leadership opportunities.
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer to bring global attention to these issues and the necessary actions to address them. The national event also marked the culmination of broader engagements across states, promoting dialogue, learning, and advocacy with women farmers and partners.
Adiele-Okpara highlighted that transformation must be rooted in the realities and aspirations of women farmers in communities, acknowledging the significant barriers they continue to face. “These women represent thousands of others across Nigeria working every day to feed their families, create jobs, strengthen local economies, and contribute to national food security,” she concluded.