The Centre for Gender Economics in Africa (CGE Africa) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise women’s involvement in Nigeria’s food security planning and decision-making processes.
At a media engagement themed “The Impact of Food Insecurity on Women in Nigeria: A Gendered Lens on the Food Crisis”, Executive Director of CGE Africa, Ms. Uchenna Idoko, stressed that women play a central role in agriculture and food production yet face systemic barriers to land, finance, and decision-making opportunities.
Ms. Idoko noted that with food prices soaring and inflation at record highs, many women are skipping meals to feed their children.
Climate change, unpredictable rainfall, and frequent flooding are also worsening the crisis, destroying farmlands and leaving women farmers unprepared without access to early warning systems.
She further highlighted challenges such as insecure land rights, less than 20% of agricultural land is owned by women, limited access to farm inputs and financing, as well as conflict and insecurity, which displace women, disrupt livelihoods, and heighten risks of gender-based violence.
Despite these difficulties, Ms. Idoko described Nigerian women as resilient caregivers, farmers, and entrepreneurs who sustain their communities, yet remain excluded from policy-making circles.
She urged policymakers and the media to amplify women’s voices, protect their land and property rights, expand access to affordable inputs, and ensure they are included in food security and climate adaptation programmes.
“It’s time to change the narrative, women’s contributions must be recognised, their challenges addressed, and their voices heard in shaping Nigeria’s food security,” she said.
Written by Sherifat Oyediran