A growing number of women in Nasarawa and Plateau states are emerging as the driving force behind agricultural production, a recent media survey has revealed. The findings indicate that, in many rural communities, women are not only actively involved in farming but are also outperforming men in terms of consistency, productivity, and economic contribution to household welfare.
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In Jankawa community, Nasarawa State, Mrs. Victoria Alex, a dedicated farmer, shared her experience in an interview with AkweyaTV. According to her, farming has become more than just a subsistence activity—it is a lifeline for her family.
“I cultivate varieties of crops so that there are many foods I don’t buy from the market, including guinea corn, maize, groundnut, beans, and pepper,” Mrs. Alex said with pride. “Aside from feeding my household, I sell some of my produce to make extra income.”
Mrs. Alex explained that while her husband occasionally assists her on the farm, his primary focus is his white-collar job in the city. This pattern, she noted, is common in her community, where women are left to handle most of the planting, weeding, and harvesting responsibilities.
Men Still Play a Role—But Not Equally
Not everyone agrees that women dominate the sector entirely. Mr. Agbo Linus Achaba, a resident of Masaka, also in Nasarawa State, believes men are still heavily engaged in farming—although some have drifted away from the practice.
“Many men in Nasarawa and Plateau are into farming, but yes, it’s true that a few have taken the path of laziness and drinking instead of working,” Achaba observed. “However, those of us still in agriculture contribute significantly alongside women.”
Experts Weigh In
Agricultural experts say the trend of women taking the lead is not unique to Nasarawa and Plateau. According to a 2023 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), women make up nearly 43% of the agricultural labor force in developing countries, yet they often face limited access to land, credit, and modern farming equipment.
Rural development specialist, Mrs. Juliet Alkali, told AkweyaTV that the resilience of rural women farmers deserves greater recognition and policy support.
“These women are not only feeding their families, they are feeding the nation,” she stressed. “If they had equal access to mechanization, improved seedlings, and credit facilities, their output could double or even triple.”
The Bigger Picture
In Nasarawa and Plateau states, agriculture remains the backbone of local economies, with crops such as guinea corn, maize, rice, yam, groundnut, and vegetables forming the staple of both household consumption and market trade. Women farmers like Mrs. Alex are often the first to embrace crop diversity, ensuring food security even during lean seasons.
The growing prominence of women in farming also has social implications. In many cases, their earnings from agriculture go into children’s education, healthcare, and community projects, further cementing their role as key economic contributors.
Looking Ahead
Stakeholders are calling for more targeted programs to empower female farmers in the region—ranging from microcredit schemes to cooperative societies that can help them access markets beyond their immediate communities.
For now, women across Nasarawa and Plateau continue to rise before dawn, take to the fields, and plant the seeds—literally and figuratively—that sustain their households and communities.
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