The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development and other stakeholders, has strategised to review the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.
The goal was to promote sustainable agricultural practices, empower farmers, and improve food security across the nation.
This is according to a statement released by the Chief Information Officer at the FMAFS, Eremah Anthonia, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the review was discussed during a workshop held recently in Abuja.
Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by Director of Special Duties, Kachallah Damaturu, stated that the essence of the meeting was to address the policy’s five-year lifespan, which is now due for review.
“The policy has been operational since its launch on 31st October 2019, and it is pivotal in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural women farmers, who are the backbone of the agriculture sector,” Ogunbiyi said.
He also emphasised the Ministry’s alignment with ICEHD’s mission and the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful change.
“We must recognise the importance of a collaborative approach. We will work closely with ICEHD, government and other non-government organisations, civil society, and the private sectors to ensure our efforts are complementary and effective,” Ogunbiyi added.
In her address, Damaturu emphasised that reviewing the gender policy was not merely an administrative task but a crucial opportunity to empower women in agriculture.
“We seek to identify gaps in our current policy framework and explore innovative strategies that can empower women in agriculture. Your contributions are invaluable as we strive for a more inclusive agricultural landscape,” she noted.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro represented by Director of Gender Affairs, Adamu Web, highlighted that the review process would refine and strengthen the policy to reflect the evolving needs of all individuals involved in agriculture.
“It is also a call to action for all stakeholders, government, private sector, civil society, and development partners to work collaboratively and purposefully towards translating the policy into impactful change,” Keshinro said.
The event also featured discussions on the policy review process led by the National Gender Steering Committee, an overview of the existing policy, and an examination of gender-based violence within agrifood systems.
Stakeholders in attendance included 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.