KWASU Professor Calls for Reforms in Women's Agriculture

On Wednesday, during the 23rd inaugural lecture at Kwara State University (KWASU) in Malete, Professor Taibat Moji Yusuf, a Professor of Agricultural Economics, advocated for reforms to eliminate structural barriers hindering women's participation in Nigeria's agricultural sector. Her lecture, titled “Empowering Women Farmers in Nigeria: Closing the Gender Gap for Agricultural Transformation and Food Security,” drew from over three decades of research.

Professor Yusuf stressed that empowering women farmers is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, and poverty reduction. She urged the government to reform inheritance laws to ensure women's rights to land ownership and promote joint ownership for married couples.

She also called for gender-inclusive agricultural financing, recruitment of female extension agents, and investment in rural infrastructure. Additionally, she recommended policies supporting income diversification and improved access to mechanized equipment and technologies tailored for women farmers.

Professor Yusuf emphasized the importance of adult literacy and cooperative organizations in enhancing women's skills and bargaining power.