Women’s Land Ownership Nigeria
Female Farmers’ Land Access
Nigeria Agriculture Gender Equality
On February 19, 2025, ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), convened a meeting in Abuja to address the critical issue of women’s access to land. Stakeholders emphasized that enhancing women’s land rights is essential for maximizing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security nationwide. Andrew Mamedu, ActionAid’s Country Director, highlighted that without equitable land access, efforts toward sustainable agriculture and economic independence for women would be undermined. He advocated for policy reforms and community initiatives to grant women ownership and control over agricultural land, enabling them to cultivate desired crops effectively.
Additionally, consultant Chris Kaka pointed out that, despite constitutional provisions for equal land rights, customary laws often restrict land ownership to men, limiting women’s agricultural potential. The stakeholders called on government bodies and traditional leaders to reassess and amend land allocation practices, promoting inclusivity and empowering women within the agricultural sector.
