By Salawu Nneka Patience
The Women Farmers Cooperative Federation of Nigeria has called on government at all levels to intensify support for women farmers across the country, stressing that increased assistance would enhance food security, boost agricultural productivity, and improve livelihoods.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held recently, where members of the federation highlighted the critical role women play in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and the challenges they continue to face, including limited access to inputs, funding, and modern farming tools.
Responding on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah commended the Women Farmers Cooperative Federation for its resilience and contribution to national development. He congratulated His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, on the successful completion of his second year in office, describing the period as one marked by people-oriented policies, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Hon. Timothy Ojomah further disclosed that, in line with the governor’s commitment to supporting farmers, the state government had distributed over 30,000 bags of fertilizers to farmers across the state to boost crop production and ensure a successful farming season. He assured the women farmers of the government’s readiness to continue partnering with cooperatives to achieve sustainable agricultural growth.
Earlier in her address, the President of the Women Farmers Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, Hajiya Hannatu Achiever, emphasized the need for deliberate policies that empower women farmers. She noted that women constitute a significant percentage of the agricultural workforce but often lack access to essential resources.
Hajiya Hannatu appealed for increased government intervention in the areas of subsidized farm inputs, soft loans, training, and access to markets. According to her, supporting women farmers would not only reduce poverty but also strengthen the nation’s food system and rural economy.
In their separate remarks, members of the federation expressed deep appreciation to the state government for its ongoing support, particularly the distribution of fertilizers. They thanked Governor Ododo for prioritizing agriculture and pledged their continued commitment to supporting government policies aimed at achieving food sufficiency.
The event ended with a renewed call for sustained collaboration between government and women-led agricultural cooperatives to ensure inclusive growth and national development.
