UN: WOMEN MAKE UP 70% OF NIGERIA’S FOOD FARMERS

The United Nations has said women account for about 70 per cent of food farmers and processors in Nigeria, highlighting their major contribution to the country’s food system.

The organisation said women play a significant role across different stages of food production, processing and distribution, despite facing challenges that can limit their productivity and income.

According to the UN, supporting women involved in agriculture is important to strengthening food security and improving livelihoods across the country.

It called for greater access to finance, land, agricultural inputs, technology and skills for women working in the sector.

The organisation also stressed the need to address barriers that prevent women from fully benefiting from opportunities in agriculture and food processing.

It said empowering female farmers and processors could help increase production, reduce food losses and improve household incomes.

The UN urged government agencies, financial institutions and development partners to design programmes that respond to the specific needs of women in agriculture.

It also highlighted the importance of creating better market opportunities for women to sell their produce and processed goods.

The call comes amid concerns over rising food prices and the need to increase domestic food production in Nigeria.

The organisation said women should be recognised not only as beneficiaries of agricultural programmes but also as key contributors to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.

It urged stakeholders to invest in women-led agricultural businesses and provide them with the resources needed to expand their operations.

The UN maintained that stronger support for women in agriculture would contribute to a more productive and resilient food system in Nigeria.