Women Farmers Seek More Inputs to Boost Agricultural Production

Women farmers participating in the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Nasarawa State have called for the provision of additional farm inputs and other agricultural support to enhance their activities and contribute more significantly to food production in the state.

The women made the call during the celebration of the International Year of Women Farmers held at the Nasarawa Luxury Hotel in Lafia.

The celebration, themed “Celebrating Women Farmers, Driving Food Security, Inclusive Agrifood Systems and Rural Prosperity,” was organised by the Value Chain Development Programme with the support of the Federal Government.

Speaking on behalf of the women farmers, Mrs Victoria Ogoshi commended the Nasarawa State Government for according priority to the agricultural sector and supporting farmers with essential farming tools and other interventions.

She, however, noted that more needed to be done to sustain and expand the support available to women farmers, particularly in the area of farm inputs and other resources required to increase productivity and improve livelihoods.

Representatives of the Commissioners for Agriculture and Food Security and Women Affairs, Social Development, Salamatu Sani Osaze and Aisha Jibril Yaro, respectively, urged women farmers to make judicious use of the opportunities and interventions provided through the Value Chain Development Programme.

They stressed the importance of women’s participation in agriculture in addressing food insecurity and strengthening rural livelihoods, while assuring the farmers of the continued support of the state government.

The State Coordinator of the Value Chain Development Programme, FGN/IFAD Assisted Programme, Dr Eunice Adigizi, explained that the United Nations deliberately set aside the occasion to recognise, support and encourage rural women to play a greater role in agrifood systems and contribute to food security.

Dr Adigizi noted that women’s participation in the Value Chain Development Programme had continued to increase since the programme commenced in Nasarawa State, reflecting the growing role of women in agricultural production, processing and other aspects of the value chain.

She emphasised the importance of sustained investment in women farmers, particularly those in rural communities, noting that supporting women in agriculture could contribute to improved food security, household incomes and rural economic development.

The programme attracted participants from the traditional institution, government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, women farmers, producers and processors, among other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Activities at the event included a panel discussion focused on issues affecting women farmers and their contribution to food security and rural development.

The programme also featured a playlet presented by members of the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), which depicted the activities and impact of the Value Chain Development Programme and highlighted the experiences and contributions of women within agricultural communities.

The celebration further featured the presentation of award certificates and cash tokens to selected deserving women farmers, producers and processors in recognition of their contributions to agricultural development and food production in Nasarawa State.