The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, on Tuesday held a North Central zonal consultative forum for the review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030).

The forum, which was organised by ActionAid Nigeria with support from AGRA, GIZ and Care International, brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, women farmers’ groups, youth networks and development partners to Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, where it was held.

Speaking during the one-day sensitisation meeting, the Director, Special Duties at the Ministry, Kachalla Damaturu, explained that the forum was held in the North Central to engage key stakeholders and ensure that their unique needs and perspectives are reflected in the final policy document.

She noted that the North Central zonal consultative forum for the review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030) was aimed at allowing women, youths and persons with disabilities to contribute and key into the national plan of action in shaping Nigeria’s agricultural future.

Damaturu explained further that the meeting was an opportunity for citizens at the grassroots level to contribute to the ongoing review process and align with the national agricultural plan.

“We gather today to build upon the momentum generated by the maiden review of the policy, which took place on 24th January 2025 in Abuja. That landmark event set the stage for our ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity and equality in the agricultural sector,” she added.

While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to the agricultural sector, particularly in women and youth empowerment, Damaturu assured the Ministry’s commitment to continue to come up with laudable initiatives and programmes in its efforts to drive sustainable agricultural development in the country.

On her part, the Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor, ActionAid Nigeria, Blessing Akhile, explained that the forum was designed to promote equity, increase productivity and strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural system.

She said, “This forum provides a vital opportunity to ensure that the voices of smallholder women farmers, young people, and persons with disabilities are meaningfully captured in shaping a more inclusive and equitable food system.

“Since its launch in October 2019, the Policy has made notable progress in addressing gender gaps, promoting equity in access to resources, and enhancing productivity across agricultural value chains. These achievements have contributed significantly to food security, poverty reduction, and improved livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. Yet, as our food systems evolve, new challenges continue to emerge, making this review both timely and necessary.”

Akhile further commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its leadership in working closely with the National Gender Steering Committee, chaired by ActionAid Nigeria, to drive the implementation of the policy, noting that their collaboration has been central to translating commitments into practical reforms and inclusive approaches that advance gender equity.

“I also extend sincere appreciation to our development partners, particularly AGRA, GIZ, Care and others, for their invaluable support throughout this review process. Your partnership continues to strengthen our collective efforts toward building just, inclusive and resilient food systems,” she added.

The Programme Officer at AGRA Nigeria, Esther Ibrahim, described agriculture as the backbone of Africa’s economy, which provides opportunities for millions of citizens across the continent.

While emphasising that the majority of Africa’s smallholder farmers are youths and women, Ibrahim expressed AGRA’s commitment to continue dismantling barriers limiting youth and women’s participation in agriculture, and pledged the organisation’s ongoing support for the Ministry’s inclusive agricultural vision.

She said, “The review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture (Agri-Food System) and the development of its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030) marks a vital step toward building a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable agricultural sector.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and the livelihood of millions. Yet its full potential cannot be realised without addressing persistent gender gaps in access to resources, opportunities and decision-making. This forum offers a timely platform to reflect on progress, confront challenges, and chart a path that ensures women, men and youths benefit equally from agricultural growth and transformation.”

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Tanko Tunga, represented by the Director, Admin and Supplies at the Ministry, Zachariah Christopher, while declaring the stakeholders’ meeting open, urged participants to discuss extensively on strategic ways to boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Our correspondent reports that representatives of the various Ministries of Agriculture in the North Central zone of the country attended the zonal consultative forum for the review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan of Action (2025–2030).

The National Gender Policy in Agriculture was first adopted in October 2019 to address persistent inequalities in access to land, finance, extension services and decision-making.

The new plan (2025–2030) seeks to consolidate achievements while tackling emerging gaps in Nigeria’s evolving food systems.