As a way of creating jobs and reducing poverty among women and youths, the women section of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) is set to unveil agro-business programmes for women farmers and young women in Nigeria.
The Association also said it is engaging in strategic business partnership with development partners, NGOs, private organisations, government agencies to enhance the potentials of the women farmers who are major forces behind food production in Nigeria.
Addressing journalists Wednesday AFAN National Woman Leader, Mrs. Enitan Onitiri, said the move will improve food system in Nigeria and the welfare of the women in agriculture through sustainable farming practices that would focus on climate smart, nutritional driven, and can satisfy the want of the people and the demand of international market.
She noted that the population of women in agriculture coupled with introduction of innovation in farming business, multipurpose processing machines, can create hundreds of thousands of jobs, wealth and foreign exchange.
“I want to reach out to other women organizations and groups both private and public to collaborate and partner with us in the area of Women capacity building in Agricultural business, agro export, extension services, agro produce market access, exotic vegetables farming, agro produce processing and packaging, farm machinery,” she said.
Also, the Special Assistant to the National Women Leader, and Women Southern Coordinator, Ms. Omolara Abati Svensson, revealed that Women’s empowerment in agriculture is not just about improving food production but also addressing broader issues of gender equality and discrimination as women still lack a voice in decision-making and policy matters.
She said, “AFAN, in its fight against hunger and poverty, holds a crucial position. I commit to tirelessly assisting women nationwide in realizing their agricultural potential and ensuring they have opportunities for food sufficiency.”
