The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has emphasized the urgent need to unlock the potential of rural women through education, access to technology, and sustainable farming practices. This message was a central focus of the 2024 International Day of Rural Women Summit, held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together key stakeholders with the goal to empowering women in agriculture.
Educational Initiatives Transforming Women’s Lives
During the summit, Mrs. Patricia Achii, representing the FGN/IFAD-Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), shared the importance of education for rural women. She highlighted the success of an adult literacy training center she established, which has helped over 1,000 women gain the skills needed to manage their farming activities as profitable businesses. This initiative demonstrates that education and technology access are fundamental in transforming the agricultural sector and enhancing the roles women play within it.
Adapting to Climate Change Through Innovation
Mrs. Temilade Ebiware, a beneficiary of the IFAD-Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger-Delta (LIFE-ND) programme, discussed how climate-smart agriculture has allowed her to adapt to the growing challenges posed by climate change. By receiving training in these techniques, she has been able to sustain and grow her aquaculture business, reinforcing the need for innovative approaches to farming.
Promoting Gender Equity and Economic Balance
Speaking at the summit, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, Country Director of IFAD Nigeria, outlined the organization’s efforts to foster gender equity in agriculture. Through initiatives like the Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS), IFAD has helped empower women to have a greater voice in household decisions and community leadership, promoting a more balanced sharing of economic benefits between men and women.
AU’s Commitment to Women in Agriculture
The summit also saw contributions from Ambassador Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture at the African Union, who stressed the vital role of women in African agriculture. Despite their contributions, rural women continue to face significant challenges, including limited access to education and resources. The AU aims to develop a comprehensive policy framework to better support women in agriculture, thereby improving their political representation and economic inclusion.
A Roadmap for Action
The event concluded with a clear roadmap for action, encouraging the adoption of best practices showcased at the summit. This included a marketplace exhibition where projects like IFAD’s were highlighted for their success in empowering rural women and promoting sustainable food security.
Conclusion
Empowering rural women is crucial for sustainable agricultural and economic development in Africa. To explore more in-depth resources on empowering women in agriculture, visit our store for a selection of relevant documents.
