BOA Enhances Support for Women Farmers in Nigeria

The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) announced its commitment to strengthening support for women farmers in Nigeria by expanding access to agricultural finance and inputs. This initiative aims to boost production, enhance livelihoods, and improve women's participation in the agricultural value chain.

The BOA's statement, issued on a Monday, highlighted the persistent barriers women farmers face, including limited access to finance, inputs, technology, mechanization, and markets. Women constitute a significant part of Nigeria's agricultural workforce, with estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization indicating their share could be as high as 70 percent.

However, the BOA noted that only three percent of female farmers are formally enrolled in financial systems, compared to ten percent of male farmers, according to recent World Bank data. Ayodeji Sotinrin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOA, emphasized the need to understand farmers' requirements to enhance productivity and ensure women farmers can effectively participate in the agricultural value chain.