ActionAid Nigeria, in its capacity as Chair of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that women, young people, and persons with disabilities are not left behind in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the North East Zonal Consultative Forum for the review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture on Tuesday, ActionAid Nigeria’s Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor, Blessing Akhile, said the forum was an important opportunity to strengthen inclusivity in food systems.
Periscope Nigeria reports that the forum was organised by ActionAid Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Small Scale Women Farmers of Nigeria, with support from AGRA, GIZ, Care.
“This forum is 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,” Akhile said.
She noted that since its launch in October 2019, the National Gender Policy in Agriculture has contributed to closing gender gaps, improving access to resources, and enhancing productivity across agricultural value chains.
According to her, “These efforts have contributed to food security, poverty reduction, and improved livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. Yet, as our food systems evolve, new challenges have emerged, making this review both timely and necessary.”
Akhile commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for working closely with the National Gender Steering Committee, chaired by ActionAid, to implement the policy.
“Their collaboration has been central in translating the policy into practical reforms and inclusive approaches that advance gender equity,” she said.
She also acknowledged the support of partners including AGRA, GIZ, and CARE, describing their contributions as “invaluable in strengthening our collective efforts to build a food system that is just, inclusive, and resilient.”
Expressing confidence in the consultative process, Akhile said, “With the insights and commitment of everyone here, I am confident that this review process will deliver a stronger, more inclusive policy that responds to vulnerable groups while enhancing fair participation in agriculture for inclusive food systems and national development.”
Representative of AGRA, Esther Ibrahim, in an interview with journalists noted the commitment of her organisation in attaining food systems transformation.
“In the morning my direct supervisor Ms Juliette, in her goodwill message spoke about why we are participating in this programme. It’s a delight and a pleasure to support the validation of the policy in this zone. We believe in partnership; that is why since June, this journey started across Nigeria. This is the last zone before the national, for us in AGRA we know gender is critical for food systems transformation,” she added.
Gombe State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives Dr Barnabas Malle, lauded the group for their concerted efforts.
Malle said, “You know Gombe is an agrarian state and 85 percent of the population are involved in agriculture. The governor in his own wisdom has been supporting women in agriculture, men, persons with disabilities as well as school children.”
While assuring government’s readiness to implement the gender policy in agriculture, Malle added, “the most important thing is to come up with the policy, once it does the governor will ensure it’s domesticated. Already, women are involved in agriculture during the last distribution of inputs they got supplies like fertilisers.”
National Consultant for the policy review, Barrister Nkiruka Okonkwo, explained that the revision was designed to reflect current realities and ensure that no group is left behind in agricultural development.
“The revised policy recognises four major categories of stakeholders—men, women, young people, and persons with disabilities. It is structured to give ownership to farmers and local communities, not just policymakers in Abuja,” Okonkwo said.
She recalled that the journey of the NGPA began in 2014, was validated in 2019, and has since guided reforms in agriculture. In April 2021, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture inaugurated the National Gender Steering Committee to drive implementation, with ActionAid Nigeria serving as chair.
Okonkwo noted that the 2025 review introduces an institutional framework that establishes Gender Steering Committees at national, state, local government, and ward levels.
“This bottom-up approach ensures inclusivity and accountability. For the first time, farmers, cooperatives, civil society organizations, and persons with disabilities are actively shaping the policy,” she said.
According to her, the review will culminate in a National Validation in Abuja on October 20, followed by submission to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval ahead of the National Council on Agriculture in Kaduna in November 2025.
The revised policy also comes with a 2025–2030 Strategic Action Plan, which requires states to create a gender budget line in agriculture and promotes stronger public-private partnerships.
“What makes this policy different is that it is not designed to sit on shelves. We are adopting a strategic, participatory approach so that interventions benefit everyone, drive food systems transformation, and empower vulnerable groups,” Okonkwo stressed.
She added that Nigeria’s agriculture must not only provide food but also generate jobs, reduce poverty, and drive economic growth.
