The Federal Government has officially launched the revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation for Nigeria (NGPAST) and its Strategic Plan of Action 2025-2030. This initiative aims to integrate gender mainstreaming into the agricultural sector, ensuring that both men and women have equal access to resources and opportunities.
Minister Highlights Policy Importance
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, described the unveiling as a critical step toward making Nigerian agriculture more inclusive, productive, and sustainable. Represented by the Minister of State, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, Kyari acknowledged that gender disparities continue to hinder full participation, particularly for women who play vital roles across the agrifood value chain. The revised policy provides a clear and practical framework to ensure equitable access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making. It also strengthens the integration of gender-responsive approaches across all agricultural programs and interventions.
Collaboration and Implementation
The Minister commended development partners ActionAid Nigeria, AGRA, and GIZ for their collaboration in producing the document. He emphasized that success depends on effective implementation and called on all relevant institutions and stakeholders to integrate the policy into their plans, programs, and budgets. The government will ensure strong monitoring and accountability to deliver measurable results.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid, speaking on behalf of the National Gender Steering Committee, stated that the policy places gender equity and social inclusion at the heart of agrifood systems transformation. It recognizes men, women, young people, and persons with disabilities as central actors and drivers of food security, livelihoods, innovation, and national development. The policy was shaped by evidence, nationwide consultations, and the shared resolve of government, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and farming communities across all six geopolitical zones.
Dr. Rufus Idris, Country Director of AGRA, expressed strong support for the policy, noting that it reflects a shared commitment to inclusive agricultural development across Africa. He stressed that transforming Africa’s food systems cannot be achieved without prioritizing gender inclusion. He commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, alongside partners such as ActionAid, GIZ, and the National Gender Steering Committee, for their roles in developing the policy.
Nnena Mercy, FCT Secretary of the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), welcomed stakeholders and described the event as a significant milestone. She recalled her organization's involvement in both the initial and revised policy processes and stressed that the real measure of success lies in implementation that directly impacts rural women farmers. She noted that the missing voice in Nigeria's development space remains that of rural women, who often lack access to resources and opportunities despite their critical role in agriculture. Nnena called for deliberate efforts to ensure the policy translates into tangible improvements in the lives of women farmers, including better livelihoods, access to education for their children, and recognition of agriculture as a viable economic activity.
