The Kaduna government has launched its first Gender Policy in Agriculture (2026–2030) to expand women’s access to land, finance, technology, and markets, thereby strengthening productivity across the sector.

Murtala Dabo, commissioner for agriculture, presented the framework during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration on Wednesday in Kaduna.

The IWD was organised under the Policy and Agricultural Systems Strengthening project.

Mr Dabo said the policy was designed to close long-standing gender gaps that had limited women’s participation across the agricultural value chain.

He noted that although women constituted a significant share of the agricultural workforce, they still faced barriers, including restricted land ownership, weak access to credit, and limited extension services.

According to him, addressing these constraints is critical to improving agricultural productivity and strengthening food security.

The commissioner said the initiative aligned with the inclusive development agenda of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, which prioritises women’s economic empowerment.

Mr Dabo said the policy would support women farmers and agribusiness operators by improving access to productive resources, enhancing capacity development, and expanding market opportunities.

He commended the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa for financial backing and Synergos for technical support in developing the framework.

Speaking, the country director of Synergos, Victor Adejoh, said the policy outlined practical steps for engaging women, youths, and persons with disabilities across production, processing, storage, and marketing.

Mr Adejoh said the framework would also strengthen gender-disaggregated data collection to guide evidence-based agricultural policies in the state.

He expressed optimism that wider awareness and stakeholder collaboration would support effective implementation of the policy.

Mr Adejoh added that empowering women farmers would enhance rural livelihoods and accelerate inclusive agricultural development in Kaduna.

(NAN)