The Women in Mechanised Agriculture (WIMA) has urged the Nigerian government to prioritise policies that ensure women’s access to mechanised farming equipment which will significantly improve agricultural productivity and empower women across the country.
Dr. Aisha Waziri, Chairperson of WIMA’s Board, made the call during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday where she highlighted the role mechanization plays in transforming agriculture, making it more efficient, and opening up new opportunities for women in the sector.
According to Waziri, the government’s support is essential to enable women to access modern farming machinery, which would not only ease the burden of manual labor but also increase food production across Nigeria.
She called for a deliberate inclusion of women-focused agricultural initiatives in national policies, with specific attention to the integration of mechanization support.
“We urge key ministries such as Women Affairs, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Science and Technology to incorporate mechanization support for women in their policies.
“This is not just a proposal; it is a proven solution that has the potential to transform lives and boost agricultural output in the country.”
Waziri went on to explain how the initiative works: women would have access to agricultural machinery on a lease basis, with zero upfront costs, enabling them to improve farm productivity without the financial barrier of purchasing expensive equipment.
The initiative operates entirely on a women-led model, with urban women in cities like Abuja linking up with rural farmers to offer mechanization services.
“This model is a win-win situation for both the women involved and the government. It is a sustainable approach to empowering women and enhancing agricultural production, which also contributes to Nigeria’s shift away from oil dependency,” Waziri added.
In addition to the mechanization push, WIMA’s President, Mrs. Aisha Bako, spoke about the organization’s journey since its inception.
“WIMA developed its business model in 2019, enabling women to act as aggregators of mechanization services. Starting with only six women, WIMA’s growth has been remarkable.”
With the support of Mastercard, the organization expanded to 250 members by 2020, and by 2022-2023, its membership had reached approximately 500.
“This year, WIMA aims to further expand to 2,000 women, providing them with access to farming equipment through a vendor financing model, which allows them to offer services and repay the cost over time.
“We are not a charity, but a business membership organization. Our members acquire equipment through vendor financing, providing a sustainable model for women in agriculture,” Bako said.
