Members of the women wing of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), have called for the support of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government agencies in the area of capacity building and extension services.
AFAN is the umbrella body of all farmers and commodities Association in Nigeria.
The group at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday said they are fully prepared to help the present administration achieve its food security dream if given the right support.
The National Women Leader of AFAN, Mrs Enitan Onitiri, who spoke at the conference said that the group has strategically aligned its programmes and policies with the agricultural policies of the present administration which will not only make food available, affordable and accessible but will create jobs and reduce poverty among women and youths.
According to her, “The women in AFAN in the whole 36 states of Nigeria and FCT are set to make history through our strategic business partnership with development partners, NGOs, private organizations, government agencies and well meaning individuals to improve food system in Nigeria and the welfare of the women in agriculture through sustainable farming practices that is climate smart, value/nutritional driven, and can satisfy the needs of our people and the demand of international market.
“With our population as women in Agribusiness, our level of innovation in farming, our multi purpose processing machines, if we engage intentionally within the Agro value chain we can create hundreds of thousands of jobs, wealth and foreign exchange and at the same time end hunger which is the focal point of Mr President.”
While calling for assistance, Mr. Onitiri called on other women organizations and groups both private and public to collaborate and partner with AFAN women in areas of capacity building in Agricultural business, Agro export, Extension services, Agro produce market access, Excotic vegetables farming, Agro produce processing and packaging as well as farm machinery.
She said achieving the numerous plans of the association require the concerted efforts of dedicated, visionary and enthusiastic players in the industry who are well versed in the challenges facing women in the industry and the nation at large as well as the support of partners.