Stakeholders call for women farmland access reform at IFAD policy meeting in Enugu, urging traditional leaders to end harmful practices and support inclusion

A growing number of stakeholders are calling for women farmland access reform across Nigeria, urging traditional rulers to dismantle practices that restrict rural women’s right to land.

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This appeal was made during a policy dialogue in Enugu supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).

The dialogue focused on scaling up the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), a transformative gender tool designed to empower women in agriculture.

Mr Patrick Ubru, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, said traditional leaders must reform customs that deny women farmland.

Speaking through Mr Victor Ngwu, the Permanent Secretary, he explained that the government is implementing a Land Bank initiative to redistribute land to women, youths, and investors.

“We have also introduced a Farm Estate Initiative, where each ward donates 200 hectares, offering one hectare to 200 local farmers,” he said. “Our goal is to make women great farmers.”

Farmer Nnenna Ejim called for a formal policy allocating at least 50% of available farmland to women and 30% to youth. She emphasised that women face systematic disadvantages that hinder their agricultural contributions.

Igwe Sunday Agbo, traditional ruler of Mbu-Akpoti in Isi-Uzo, praised the GALS programme for challenging gender disparity. “Obnoxious practices will phase out with time,” he noted. “Wealthy women already buy land independently—progress is possible.”

Mr Humphrey Ubanyi, Rural Institution, Gender and Youth Mainstream Officer for VCDP Enugu, highlighted GALS successes since its 2021 introduction.

“Women now participate in decision-making, control income, and share household duties with men,” he explained. “GALS has reconciled families and changed lives.”

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The dialogue aimed to institutionalise GALS beyond the life of the VCDP. Ubanyi commended Dr Edward Isiwu, VCDP State Coordinator, for supporting the gender-focused initiatives that push for sustainable women farmland access reform.