Breaking Barriers: Advancing the Right of Women Farmers for  Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria

In Nigeria, women comprise a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, yet face systemic barriers to fully participating in sustainable agriculture. Despite being vital to food production, women struggle with land ownership due to patriarchal land tenure systems. Only about 10% have documented land rights, with customary laws often excluding women from inheriting or owning land. This insecurity limits their access to government agricultural programs and long-term sustainable practices like agroforestry. Financial exclusion further hampers progress, as most women lack collateral—typically land—to obtain loans. Agricultural extension services and training opportunities also disproportionately favor men, leaving women under-informed and under-equipped for climate-smart agriculture. Policy recommendations include amending the Land Use Act to guarantee women’s land rights, expanding gender-sensitive credit schemes, strengthening access to inputs, and tailoring training programs to women’s needs. Supporting cooperatives and community mobilization can also improve women’s financial and technical empowerment. Addressing these structural barriers is crucial not only for gender equity but also for national food security and sustainable development.