The lack of access to farmland for women farmers in Nigeria poses a significant threat to the country’s food security. That was the submission of Mark Abani, a renowned farmer and agriculture consultant. Abani emphasised that addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring that the country’s agricultural sector reaches its full potential.
Abani, who is also the Executive Chair of Participatory Development Alternatives (PDA), made this statement during a town hall meeting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The event, organised by PDA with support from ActionAid Nigeria, focused on access to and control over land for smallholder women farmers and young people.
According to Abani, agriculture and food production have the potential to reduce Nigeria’s inflation rate from 34% to 15%. However, he noted that rural farmers face significant challenges, including limited access to markets and post-harvest losses.
Abani lamented that despite court rulings affirming women’s rights to inherit and own land, implementation remains virtually nonexistent. He emphasised the need for continued advocacy and public discussions involving traditional leaders to build awareness about women’s land access.
“The only way forward is through continued advocacy and by engaging younger individuals and the community in understanding these issues,” Abani said. “If we do not make land available to women, who are the primary farmers, our goals may never be achieved.”
Abani urged government stakeholders to recognise the necessity of granting land access to women, ensuring it is arable and safeguarded for long-term investment and returns. He concluded that government officials and traditional leaders must review their approaches as economies evolve.
