Despite their critical role in Nigeria’s food production and agribusiness value chains, women farmers in Edo State continue to face major obstacles, including limited access to land, affordable finance, improved inputs, markets and modern agricultural technology.
This was the concern raised by the Special Project Coordinator, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise-Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), Mr John Omoruyi, at the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) celebration in Benin City.
Omoruyi said the challenges were preventing many women from maximising their productive potential, despite their enormous contributions as producers, processors, marketers and entrepreneurs.
He disclosed that the LIFE-ND project, supported by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and other partners, was designed to improve livelihoods, strengthen family enterprises and develop agricultural value chains.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs Osedebame Bamayi, said women are central to the agricultural economy, describing them as producers, processors, marketers, entrepreneurs, employers and custodians of food and nutrition security.