Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural policies that prioritise women and ensure their safety and economic empowerment.
This pledge was made during a stakeholders’ engagement and community dialogue held in Abuja as part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. The event was organised by SWOFON FCT in partnership with ActionAid.
Speaking at the dialogue, Hajara Ramson, Programme Officer at SWOFON, explained that the initiative is designed to highlight the realities of gender-based violence that occur within farming communities and to promote fair access to agricultural opportunities for women.
She noted that women farmers, who drive a significant share of food production in the country, still encounter restricted access to essential farming resources, discriminatory practices and unsafe work environments.
Ramson stressed that these challenges pose a direct threat to food security and rural economic progress. She added that safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of smallholder women farmers is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural growth and improving community resilience.
She encouraged collective action throughout the 16-day campaign to support affected women, challenge harmful cultural attitudes and create farming spaces where women can work productively and without fear.
She pointed out that many women in rural and semi urban parts of the FCT face several forms of violence, including physical abuse, economic deprivation and digital harassment. According to her, these issues often result in limited land ownership, exploitation and social exclusion, all of which reduce productivity and increase poverty.
She emphasised that addressing these concerns is necessary for building stronger agricultural systems and ensuring that women farmers can fully contribute to national development.
Comfort Sunday, Chairperson of SWOFON FCT, raised concerns about increasing cases of discrimination in farming communities, especially with regard to land access and control over farm yields.
She explained that some women are denied farmland or are removed from farmland once their output improves.
She added that there are cases where men seize farm proceeds or dictate how women can spend their earnings, limiting their independence and income generation.
Ibrahim Shafa, Secretary of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria FCT Chapter, noted that many women endure violence silently while managing the heavy workload of farm activities and household responsibilities.
He stressed the need to educate men on the consequences of gender-based violence and encourage respectful practices within homes and farming communities.
SWOFON Programme Coordinator, Ogechi Okebugwu, revealed that the organisation has created a 5-member monitoring group in all FCT Area Councils to strengthen reporting of violations.
She explained that the initiative focuses on protecting smallholder women farmers and children, while involving men and community leaders in addressing practices that limit women’s agricultural productivity.
The organisation urged stakeholders to continue pushing for inclusive agricultural reforms, equal resource distribution and safer farming environments, noting that empowered women farmers are essential to a stronger and more secure food system.
