The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, yesterday convened a North Central zonal consultative forum in Lafia, Nasarawa State, to review the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030).
Supported by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), GIZ and Care International, the meeting brought together government officials, civil society groups, women farmers, youth networks and development partners to ensure grassroots voices are reflected in the revised policy.
Director of Special Duties at the Ministry, Kachalla Damaturu, said the initiative would allow women, youths and persons with disabilities to contribute to shaping a more inclusive agricultural future.
ActionAid’s Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor, Blessing Akhile, noted that the policy, launched in 2019, had already made strides in closing gender gaps and boosting food security but needed updating to address emerging challenges.
She commended the Ministry’s leadership and the support of development partners in advancing gender equity in agriculture.
Similarly, AGRA Programme Officer, Esther Ibrahim, pledged continued support for dismantling barriers facing women and young farmers, describing agriculture as the backbone of Africa’s economy and vital to sustainable development.