The Nigerian Women in Agricultural Research for Development (NiWARD) has called on government at all levels, non-governmental organizations, as well as corporate bodies in the country, to assist female farmers in the nation.
The appeal for the inclusion of women in agriculture in the government’s policies was made in Lagos during the 10th NiWARD annual conference with the theme: “Innovation ideas and research outputs for Agricultural Development.”
NiWARD is Nigeria’s chapter of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), which is made up of a group of Nigerian scientists from a number of universities, agricultural research institutions, and private organizations aimed at boosting sustainable agricultural development.
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Professor Stella Williams of the Agric Economics Department at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), in her address that the government has not been supporting women in agriculture like other nations do, making women less visible at the helm of affairs in government, as men tend to take over all positions in the country.
“Because women are not political in their orientation, they are not pushed first. If we do not have the financial support, we cannot do much; we don’t have any financial support. “It’s from our membership dues that we get funds.”
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Dr. Gerald Smith, Counselor for Agricultural Affairs at the United States Mission in Nigeria, stated that the program is another historic day dedicated to promoting a gender-responsive agricultural innovation system for food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
He pledged the support of the United States Department for Agriculture (USDA) in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy through innovative value addition strategies, adding that the USDA is ready to collaborate with varied stakeholders across Nigeria’s expanding food value chain.
