FG, ActionAid Push for Gender-Inclusive Agriculture Policy in North Central

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, has launched consultations in the North Central zone to review the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030).

The forum, held Tuesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society groups, women farmers’ associations, youth networks, and development partners, with support from AGRA, GIZ, and Care International.

Speaking at the event, Director of Special Duties at the ministry, Kachalla Damaturu, said the consultative forum was designed to capture diverse voices in shaping the new policy. “We gather today to build upon the momentum generated by the maiden review of the policy, which took place on 24th January 2025 in Abuja,” she explained.

“This forum provides an opportunity for grassroots participation, ensuring the unique needs of women, youths, and persons with disabilities are reflected in the national agricultural plan.”

Damaturu also praised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to agricultural development, particularly in empowering women and young farmers, noting that the ministry would continue to roll out initiatives that promote inclusivity and sustainability in the sector.

Blessing Akhile, Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor at ActionAid Nigeria, said the forum underscored the importance of equity in food systems. “This forum provides a vital opportunity to ensure that the voices of smallholder women farmers, young people, and persons with disabilities are meaningfully captured in shaping a more inclusive and equitable food system,” she said.

According to organisers, recommendations from the North Central forum will feed into the broader review of the gender policy, which aims to strengthen productivity, resilience, and fairness across Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.