By Rashidat Oladele
In response to the urgent need for a comprehensive and inclusive agricultural framework, the Partnership for Advancing Women in Economic Development (PAWED) and various women’s Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have collectively called upon the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
Their plea is to actively involve women-led groups in the formulation, execution, and endorsement of an agricultural strategy that prioritizes nutrition and climate adaptation as fundamental pillars of Nigeria’s food security.
This initiative seeks to ensure not only effectiveness but also transparency and inclusivity.
During a press briefing held on November 7 in Abuja, Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau, the national president of the National Council for Women’s Societies (NCWS) and the head of the coalition, highlighted the crucial role of their members specializing in nutrition, agriculture, and gender.
She emphasized that their expertise positions them uniquely to ensure the successful implementation of policies when adequately supported.
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Adamu-Lau underscored the importance of gender inclusion in agricultural policy implementation, particularly concerning food security, pointing out the direct correlation between the two.
Drawing attention to the interconnectedness of climate change, nutrition, and women’s economic empowerment, she emphasized the need to address these issues collectively to enhance resilience against the adverse effects of climate change on Nigeria’s agricultural productivity.
The coalition expressed appreciation for the minister’s focus on nutrition and climate change adaptation, lauding it as a potentially transformative step that could lead to increased food security, economic growth, and a reduction in poverty within the country.
In addition to fostering the overall expansion of the agricultural sector, PAWED emphasized the significance of promoting inclusivity.
They argue that this approach not only enhances accountability but also ensures transparency in the management of public programs designed to tackle issues associated with food security.
PAWED believes that inclusive policies will contribute significantly to addressing the challenges faced by the nation and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
