Women account for about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s food farmers and processors, highlighting their major contribution to the country’s agricultural and food systems, according to the United Nations.

The disclosure underscores the important role women play in producing, processing and distributing food across Nigeria.

Despite their significant contribution to the sector, women continue to face challenges that limit their productivity and economic opportunities.

These challenges include limited access to land, agricultural financing, modern equipment, technology and markets.

The UN stressed the need for stronger support systems that would enable women working across the food value chain to expand their businesses and increase their contribution to national food security.

Improving women’s access to financial resources and productive assets could also help strengthen household incomes and reduce poverty.

Agricultural stakeholders have increasingly called for policies that recognise the central role of women in farming and food processing while addressing the barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Greater investment in training, access to credit, improved technology and market opportunities could help women increase production and reduce losses within the agricultural value chain.

The UN also emphasised the importance of creating an enabling environment where women can participate fully in agriculture and benefit fairly from the economic value they generate.

With women making up a substantial proportion of Nigeria’s food producers and processors, empowering them could play a major role in improving food availability, strengthening livelihoods and supporting the country’s agricultural development.

The call for greater support comes amid continuing efforts to address food insecurity and improve agricultural productivity across Nigeria.