The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the French Embassy in Nigeria have launched the Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship (WATEA) initiative to empower 3,000 women in agriculture across six states—Kwara, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Anambra, and Oyo.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop in Ibadan, IITA’s Deputy Director-General, Dr. Kenton Dashiell, emphasized that women need proper mentorship, training, and information to succeed in agriculture.
He noted that many women are unaware of agriculture’s financial potential and are often discouraged from venturing into the sector.
“There is a lot of money in agriculture, but many women have not been exposed to its real potential,” Dashiell stated.
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier, highlighted agriculture’s vast opportunities, stressing that France prioritizes women and youth in agricultural development.
He noted that if properly harnessed, Nigeria’s agricultural sector could drive economic growth and reduce unemployment.
“This project aims to promote inclusiveness and strengthen public-private partnerships for agricultural development in Nigeria,” Fonbaustier said.
Dr. Sonia Darracq, Regional Counsellor for Agriculture at the French Embassy, added that the demand for skilled agrifood technicians is rising, making WATEA a critical intervention for women seeking employment or self-sufficiency in agribusiness.
Jigawa State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Adisat AbdulWahab, called for WATEA’s expansion beyond technical schools to include grassroots women, emphasizing their need for agricultural intervention programs.
However, the Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, underscored the importance of WATEA in transforming the agricultural sector, stating that women not only need training but also support in transitioning into agribusiness through value addition and sustainability.
Commissioners from Enugu, Anambra, Kano, and Oyo States also spoke at the event, affirming their commitment to supporting women in agriculture.