The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development and various stakeholders, has initiated plans to revise the National Gender Policy on Agriculture. The primary aim is to enhance sustainable farming methods, empower farmers, and advance food security nationwide. This initiative was disclosed by the Chief Information Officer at the FMAFS, Eremah Anthonia.
During a recent workshop in Abuja, the discussion centered on the need to review the policy, which has been in effect since its launch on October 31, 2019. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by Director of Special Duties, Kachallah Damaturu, highlighted the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by female farmers in rural areas, underscoring their vital role in the agriculture sector.
Dr. Ogunbiyi stressed the significance of collaboration with various organizations, including ICEHD, to drive meaningful change. Additionally, Damaturu emphasized that the policy review presents a crucial opportunity to empower women in agriculture by identifying and bridging existing gaps in the policy framework.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, represented by Director of Gender Affairs, Adamu Web, emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to refine and strengthen the policy in alignment with the changing needs of individuals in the agricultural sector. The event also included discussions on gender-based violence within agrifood systems, led by the National Gender Steering Committee.
Various stakeholders attended the event, including representatives from the National Council of Climate Change, the Federal Ministry of Environment, women farmers’ associations and cooperatives, AGRA, Policy Innovation Centre, and Plan International, among others.