Abuja: Stakeholders have urged state governments to domesticate the National Gender Policy in Agriculture by ensuring adequate budgetary support and fostering innovation-driven communities of practice. They made the call at the National Stakeholders Validation Forum on the Revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation and its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan of Action.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the review was aimed at aligning the policy with the evolving agricultural landscape. Represented by Ibrahim Tanimu, Director, Project Coordinating Unit in the ministry, Ogunbiyi mentioned that the validation marked a significant step in promoting gender equality and empowering women, youths, and people with special needs in agriculture. He emphasized that the policy would serve as a guiding framework for actions and decisions, ensuring the integration of the needs and perspectives of women and other vulnerable groups into agricultural development. Ogunbiyi also commended the federal government for its continued support to the agricultural sector.
Mr. Azubike Nwokoye, Chairperson of the National Gender Steering Committee, highlighted that the revised policy was crafted to help Nigeria address current challenges in the agrifood systems. He noted that the policy supports other agricultural policies and aligns with the National Agriculture Technology and Innovation Policy. Nwokoye stated that the policy aims to secure social justice and equity within the agricultural value chain, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit equally from the sector. He further explained that the purpose of the workshop was to validate the revised policy produced by stakeholders to promote gender equity and ensure gender justice in the agriculture sector.
Mr. Temitope Adegoroye, Managing Partner of Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, called on stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to translating the policy into tangible changes that uplift women, strengthen communities, and secure Nigeria’s food and nutrition future. He praised the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Gender Steering Committee, and all stakeholders dedicated to advancing gender equity in agriculture. Adegoroye remarked that the launch of the policy in 2019 provided a crucial framework for addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusive agricultural development. He noted that the gathering was a testament to the shared commitment to ensuring that the policy is not only well-crafted but also effectively implemented across all levels.