Leaders in farming have asked traditional rulers in Enugu to stop harmful practices that make it hard for women farmers to get farmland. They said this during a big meeting called by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The meeting happened on Thursday in Enugu.
The event was part of a program called Gender Action Learning System (GALS). This program helps families and communities treat women and men more equally. It teaches people how to share work and make fair decisions.
Why This Meeting Happened
Mr. Patrick Ubru, the Commissioner for Agriculture in Enugu, said traditional rulers need to make land available for women and young people. He said the government wants more women and youths to join farming.
He explained that the state started a Land Bank. This means the government takes land from communities and gives it to women, youths, and investors who want to farm. The state also created a Farm Estate Project. In this project, every ward donates 200 hectares of land. From this, 200 farmers will each get one hectare.
Mr. Ubru said the government knows that women find it hard to get farmland. That is why they are creating these programs to help women become great farmers.
What Others Said
Many people spoke at the meeting:
- Mrs. Nnenna Ejim, a farmer, asked that communities give 50% of land to women and 30% to youths.
- Igwe Sunday Agbo, a traditional ruler, said the program will help stop unfair treatment of women. He told women to also work on making new laws to replace bad old customs.
- Mr. Humphrey Ubanyi, a leader of the program, said the GALS method started in Enugu in 2021. Since then, families have changed. Women now make decisions, own things, and have control over their money. Men help with house chores, and some couples who had problems are now happy again.
The program also helps people with disabilities and teaches everyone to share power and work fairly at home.
Why This Matters for Women Farmers
Women in Enugu often cannot get land because of old customs. This makes life hard for them because farming is their main work. When women have land, they can grow food, earn money, and take care of their families. The new programs will help women farmers, young people, and even the whole state.
Related Articles
- How Women Are Changing Farming in Nigeria
- Why Land Rights Matter for Women Farmers
- Tips for Starting Small Farms in Enugu
Conclusion
The meeting in Enugu is a big step to help women farmers. With programs like GALS, Land Banks, and Farm Estates, women and youths will have more chances to farm. When women get land, families are stronger, and everyone wins.
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