The days when the government will integrate women and youth farmers into agricultural initiatives introduced by the government are around the corner. This is because farmers who know where the foot pinches are getting close to assisting government in policy interpretation and implementation. One of them, Mrs. Omolara Svensson, former national coordinator of Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI), is now the Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security. So, when she spoke about her dedication to the integration of this category of farmers into government initiatives, she was taken seriously. This is because she had been on that side, which gave her a firsthand experience on the needs of farmers and how the government could help them.
Mrs. Svensson made the commitment during the handover ceremony, as she passed the mantle of leadership to the Deputy National Coordinator, Farmer Lucy Pam. Her colleagues would be rejoicing, not because they are happy that she was leaving her role as their leader,but because, through her, they would get that opportunity they had yearned for over the years. They had wanted the kind of understanding that makes the government to know the right kind of support that would suit farmers in their vocation.
Mrs. Svensson emphasized the importance of prioritising inclusivity for women and youth farmers nationwide as she addressed the incoming leadership. Her transition to her new role followed a 14-month tenure as NWAPDI’s National Coordinator. Now that one of their kind has the ears of a minister in the relevant ministry they will be hopeful that getting statistics of the real farmers would be given priority and that the issue of political farmers who collaborate with officials of government to appropriate inputs that should have been given to farmers.
Mrs. Svensson told media men after the swearing in ceremony about her intention to leverage her new position to connect with genuine women farmers across the country.
“This isn’t to say that NWAPDI hasn’t been working with real farmers,” Mrs. Svensson clarified, “but it’s about guaranteeing complete inclusion for women and youth in agriculture. It’s also about fostering innovative solutions to enhance food security, in line with the current administration’s objectives.”
Mrs. Svensson further highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian women in agriculture, particularly concerning limited access to farmland and financial resources. “Women often experience marginalisation regarding access to farmland, land ownership, finance, and related areas. Additionally, the tax burden can be quite significant,” she noted.