Food security is an integral part of national security and Nigeria and other developing countries target policies and plans to boost local food production towards attaining self-sufficiency. With a rapidly growing population, the developing countries cannot afford to rely on food imports for survival. This is where the agricultural sector comes in because with agriculture, the possibilities are endless.
Inclusiveness is important in the agricultural sector. Women, youth and social inclusion recognise that women and youth make essential contributions to the agricultural and rural economies in Nigeria and other developing countries and play crucial roles in contributing to food security. However, many agricultural sectors remain largely male dominated. Very few women get access to this support. Where women are involved, they are restricted to later segments of cultivation activity with very minimal financial returns.
In the developing countries, women’s contributions to agriculture are immense, as they form the largest share of the agricultural labour force. However, women continue facing significant challenges that perpetuate their economic inequality. These challenges include limited access to quality farmland, the inability to mobilize male family labour, the absence of cash income and credit, and the burden of unpaid domestic work as well as cultural and social barriers that limit their participation in the sector.
In all of its programmes, the Division ensures that women and youth are included to set them on the same pedestal with other players in the agricultural sector. Women provide about 43% of the labour for agricultural production in the developing countries, excluding other household work. ARDD researchers will address the structural and societal barriers that hinder their empowerment and equality. As such, key changes within agribusiness are required to foster a more inclusive environment for women and youth in agriculture in Africa. Hence, ARDD interest in strengthening their capacity so that their livelihood is improved.
The Division also addresses these challenges with a multi-faceted approach that involves working with communities to challenge gender norms, providing women with access to land and financial services, and designing extension services that are gender responsive. By prioritising women’s inclusion in agriculture in Nigeria and other developing countries will unlock the potential of millions of women farmers and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
ARDD researchers build the capacity of technical officers, farmers, women and youth aimed at improving their skills to better carry out their day to day duties in the field of agricultural development. To bridge the gap that exists as a result of the dearth of agricultural practical skills and knowledge, The Division runs several training programmes which are designed and delivered to different target groups in improving their knowledge and skills in various areas. The training includes short and long term provided to farmers as well as staff in the public sector.