FG may soon appropriate budget for gender in Agriculture

 

There is an indication that the long awaited gender policy for agriculture may soon be presented for approval before the apex decision making body for budgetary commitment within 2025-2030 Agricultural implementation.

This position became obvious last week Thursday in a validation meeting held in Abuja where a decision was taken for formal presentation of the revised national gender policy in agriculture to the apex body in the next meeting of the national committee slated for November in Kaduna state.

The revised national gender policy and its strategic action plan will run for implementation between 2026 - 2030 if the apex body approved it in the coming national council meeting which shall be presided over by the Minister of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS) Sen. Abubarka Kyari.

Gender policy implementation according to stakeholders at the meeting would give proactive attention to barriers that limit women, youths and persons with disabilities in foods system productivity as equal access to land, finance, technology and decision making shall be prioritized.

The National Council on Agriculture (NCA) is the apex decisions making body for the sector, headed by the Minister of FMAFS with all the thirty seven ( 37) commissioners at the states level. 

Conspicuously present at the rap up gender validation meeting were ActionAids, Nigeria, other key development partners and officials of FMAFS.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, FMAFS, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by the director of planning and policy coordination, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu who described the validation as a major milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of gender equality within agricultural planning and policy implementation within the agricultural space towards sustainable food security.

" The policy will serve as a guiding framework for our actions and decisions, ensuring that the needs and perspectives of women and other vulnerable groups are integrated into agricultural development" said the PS.

He said further that " This policy is our collective response to the gender disparities that have long constrained productivity and inclusivity in the agricultural sector"

Azubike Nwokoye, Chairperson of the National Gender Steering Committee and Food Systems Specialist at ActionAid Nigeria, explained that the revised document introduces innovative measures to address gender-based violence in agricultural value chains just as it ensured equitable access to resources and opportunities to affected personalities.

Nwokoye pointed out that all the states had shown interest by readiness to commit funds into implementing the policy adding that " This is not just a gender document—it is a roadmap for social justice and national food security" 

The validation workshop was attended by the representatives from National Assembly, ActionAid Nigeria, GIZ, AGRA, Sahel Consulting, and several farmer organizations.