The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, has emphasized the crucial need for investment in rural women during the 2024 International Day of Rural Women Summit.
The summit, which took place on October 15 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, gathered key stakeholders dedicated to empowering women in agriculture. This year’s theme focused on “Empowering Women Living in Rural Areas through Education and Access to Technology: Bridging the Gap for Inclusive and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa.”
A panelist from the Value Chain Development Programme, Mrs. Patricia Achii, highlighted the significance of educational initiatives. She shared her success in establishing an adult literacy training center for women in her community, which has enabled around 1,000 women to graduate and take charge of their farming endeavors as businesses.
Mrs. Temilade Ebiware, a beneficiary of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger-Delta program, discussed her achievements in aquaculture, attributing her success to capacity building in climate-smart agriculture, which has equipped her to manage the impacts of climate change on her business.
Mrs. Dede Ekoue, Country Director of IFAD Nigeria, outlined the organization’s initiatives supporting smallholders and rural women in boosting their incomes and enhancing market access. She emphasized the importance of the Gender Action Learning Systems, which aim to establish a more equitable distribution of household responsibilities and economic benefits between genders.
Ambassador Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union, stressed the pivotal role women play in Africa’s agricultural sector. Despite their significant contributions, many women face obstacles such as limited access to education and resources.
The summit concluded with a roadmap for action and a marketplace exhibition, showcasing best practices from IFAD projects. The event fostered networking opportunities among rural women and key stakeholders, promoting the sharing of successful strategies to enhance food security and improve income levels for women and youth.
