Smallholder farmers in Nasarawa State have urged the government at all levels to formulate and implement policies that will ensure sustainable access to agricultural grants for rural women. They emphasized that such measures would enhance food production, strengthen food security efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and promote healthy diets for Nigerians.
The call was made during a two-day workshop held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, aimed at smallholder farmers, agribusiness owners, and small and medium-scale enterprises. The event, organized under the *Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE)* programme, was funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in Northern states including Bauchi, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Nasarawa.
Speaking at the workshop, Isaac Ishaya, Project Manager of CASCADE, highlighted the need for a multidimensional approach to achieving healthy diets. He stressed that capacity building and improved access to agricultural facilities for rural women were crucial to ensuring food sustainability.
“To effectively tackle malnutrition and improve food security, we must strengthen collaboration between the government and relevant organizations. Awareness campaigns should also be intensified to encourage the use of local resources in combating malnutrition,” Ishaya said.
Christian Ediagbonya, a financial expert and one of the resource persons at the event, underscored the importance of providing financial support and access to facilities to enhance sustainable food production in rural communities.
Halima Yusuf, Chief Nutrition Officer at the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, identified malnutrition and stunted growth as key challenges affecting economic development. She emphasized the need for targeted interventions to equip smallholder farmers and agribusiness owners with the resources needed to improve household nutrition and overall food quality.
Some participating farmers, including Kadijat Yahaya and Patience Phillip, expressed appreciation for the workshop, stating that it provided them with new strategies for improving food production and contributing to the fight against malnutrition.
With rising concerns over food security and nutrition in Nigeria, stakeholders believe that increased government support for rural farmers—especially women—will be critical in addressing malnutrition, enhancing agricultural productivity, and fostering economic growth in local communities.
