The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs have agreed to establish a strategic partnership aimed at improving access to finance, agricultural inputs and productive resources for women farmers across Nigeria.
The partnership is expected to create a comprehensive financing framework that will address long-standing barriers limiting women’s participation and productivity in the agricultural sector. The initiative will provide easier access to credit facilities, strengthen capacity-building programmes and improve market access opportunities for women farmers nationwide.
Women account for more than 70 percent of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce, yet many continue to face significant challenges including limited access to land ownership, affordable financing, quality farm inputs and profitable markets. The collaboration between BOA and the Ministry seeks to bridge these gaps by introducing targeted interventions that will empower women and enhance their contributions to national food security.
As part of the agreement, both institutions will establish dedicated technical teams to develop a detailed implementation plan for the initiative. The framework will prioritize women, youths, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to ensure inclusive access to agricultural financing and development opportunities.
The partnership underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting inclusive agricultural development and economic empowerment. By expanding access to financial resources and productive assets, the initiative is expected to improve agricultural productivity, create sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen food security across the country.
Stakeholders have described the collaboration as a significant milestone in advancing gender-inclusive agricultural financing, noting that it will help build a more equitable agricultural sector where opportunities are based on potential, innovation and productivity rather than historical barriers.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment by the Bank of Agriculture and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to empower women farmers and ensure that vulnerable groups have the resources needed to thrive within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
