The member of the House of Representatives representing Ifako-Ijaye Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Benjamin Olabinjo, has called for robust access and support for women in agriculture to contribute to food security in the country.
Olabinjo made the call at the summit of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Women in Agriculture on Thursday in Lagos.
The theme of the Summit is: She Farms, She Cares; The Role of Women in Food Security Chain.
According to him, no conversation about food security is complete without addressing the role of women.
He said women are not just helpers in agriculture, adding that they are central players in feeding the nation.
“To ensure that women are truly at the centre of Nigeria’s agricultural development and food security chain, several actions are imperative,” he said.
He stressed the need for access to land and security, access to finance, education, extension and training, among others.
Referencing statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organization, Olabinjo said if women had the same access to productive resources as men, agricultural output in developing countries could rise up to 30 per cent.
“This could mean 150 million fewer people living in hunger globally.
“In Nigeria, empowering women farmers could significantly boost Gross Domestic Product, reduce rural poverty and ensure long -term national food security” Olabinjo said.
In his welcome address, Mr Femi Oke, Southwest Chairman of AFAN noted the importance to encourage and recognise women farmers in the sector.
Oke stressed that women were the backbone of agriculture in Nigeria, taking front seats in the drive for food security.
“We are doing this sensitisation for all the young and upcoming farmers and for all women in all capacity, to speak on the challenges of women farmers and what intervention they need from the government.
“We male farmers appreciate the women farmers, we together and we vow our continuous support for them in this sector.
“We appreciate the women farmers among us and their efforts in sector despite the fact that they are mothers, they are still productive in the sector and should be celebrated.
“The association of women farmers has come to stay in Lagos,” he said.
He also reiterated the importance of youth in agriculture.
“With what we are seeing today is that we are getting the youth involved in agriculture, we even have the youth wing of AFAN, they are part of us.
“And even most recently Federal Government is giving out grants to our young farmers between 18 and 35 years, so we are encouraging their inclusion into the sector.
NAN
