BOA STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR WOMEN FARMERS, TARGETS INPUT ACCESS GAP

The Bank of Agriculture is strengthening its support for women farmers as part of efforts to improve their access to agricultural inputs and increase their participation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The bank said the initiative is aimed at addressing some of the challenges women farmers face in accessing quality seeds, fertilisers, equipment, finance, and other inputs needed to improve productivity.

Women play a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, but limited access to finance and productive resources has continued to restrict the growth of many women-owned farming businesses.

BOA said improving access to agricultural inputs would help women farmers expand production, increase their incomes, and contribute more effectively to food security.

Agricultural stakeholders welcomed the initiative, saying targeted support could help address some of the structural barriers limiting women’s participation in commercial agriculture.

They called for affordable financing, extension services, modern farming equipment, storage facilities, and better access to markets.

Experts also stressed the importance of designing agricultural programmes around the specific needs of women farmers, particularly smallholder producers who often operate with limited resources.

The bank said it would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to expand opportunities for women in agriculture and improve their access to resources.

The initiative is expected to support higher agricultural productivity while creating more opportunities for women to participate in and benefit from Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

Stakeholders urged sustained investment in women-focused agricultural programmes to ensure that the benefits extend across the farming and food value chains.