Ndidi Nwuneli (F)
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
According to UNWomen,significant gender gaps persist that directly impact productivity, livelihoods, and poverty levels in Africa. In Nigeria, the World Bank reports that women farmers produce 30% less per hectare than men driven by the reality that women farm less-valuable crops, use fewer inputs and labor is less productive for women. Other gender gaps exist in agriculture research and development, land ownership, agricultural extension services, access to financing, aggregation, distribution, logistics, and in the production and processing of high-value crops.To close these gender gaps, we need key interventions: Promote the use of gender-sensitive data collection and gender statistics for evidence-based planning, policy, and program design, implementation, and evaluation Strengthen women’s land rights at the federal, state, and local levels, engaging with governments, traditional rulers, and faith-based organizations Close the financing gaps faced by women by creating a comprehensive strategy led by central banks, and all financial services providers to ensure clear quotas and targets, incentives, and windows to support female engagement Our extension systems must engage female workers, ensure special training, and support programs for female farmers, and market linkage initiatives to ensure equitable access to inputs, skills, training, and markets to enhance their income and improve their livelihoods. Closing these gender gaps has a significant economic impact and will result in an additional 2.3 – 5.8% of GDP. The goals of Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd are very similar to the Women Empowerment Principles, which is why we are a signatory. We hope to collaborate with organizations that work to close the gender gap in the workplace, community, and advocacy. https://africanharvesters.com/2021/04/02/on-closing-gender-gaps-for-women-in-agriculture-and-ending-hunger-ndidi-nwuneli/