The South East Zonal Consultative Forum for the Review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030) held a one-day sensitisation meeting in Enugu over the weekend, aimed at giving voices to women, youths and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to contribute and key into the national plan of action in shaping Nigeria’s Agricultural future.
The meeting, organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), provided an opportunity for the various at the grassroots to contribute to the ongoing review process and align with the National Agricultural plan.
Kachallah Damaturu, Director of Special Duties at the Ministry, explained that the Forum was held in the South-East to engage key stakeholders and ensure that their unique needs and perspectives are reflected in the final policy document.
“Our goal is to build an inclusive agricultural system that prioritizes food security and productivity through the active involvement of women, youths, and PWDs. They will form the backbone of our agricultural value chain”, Damaturu said.
She stressed that the Ministry would leave no Group behind in its efforts to drive sustainable agricultural development and acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to the sector, particularly in empowering women and youths.
According to her, participation in the Forum was expanded beyond targeted Groups to include State commissioners, permanent secretaries, and directors from across the South- East to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive consultation process.
Patrick Ubru, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, declaring the meeting open, he welcomed participants and underscored the South East’s strategic role in agriculture and national development.
He highlighted Enugu State’s policies aimed at youth and women empowerment in agriculture, noting that the State had mandated 70% representation of women and youths in all agricultural programmes.
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration has approved the establishment of farm estates in all wards across the state to generate employment and income for women, youths, and persons with disabilities,” Ubru stated.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Governor Mbah, and development partners for their continuous support towards inclusive agriculture and job creation.
Also speaking at the event, Blessing Akhile, Food and Agriculture Advisor at ActionAid Nigeria, noted that the forum is designed to promote equity, increase productivity, and strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural system.
Akhile, who also chaired the Steering Committee for the Gender Policy Review, emphasised the importance of inclusive participation in achieving food security and poverty reduction.
“When everyone is involved, the result is a more resilient food system and significant progress in tackling hunger and inequality,” she said.
She appreciated the support of the Ministry, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and other partners for facilitating the consultations.
Esther Ibrahim, Programme Officer at AGRA Nigeria, described agriculture as the cornerstone of Africa’s economy, employing millions across the continent. She emphasised that the majority of Africa’s smallholder farmers are women and youths.
Ibrahim commended AGRA’s continued efforts to dismantle barriers limiting youth and women’s participation in agriculture and pledged the organization’s ongoing support for the ministry’s inclusive agricultural vision.
