AGRA

Salatu Idris, a mother of five and cooperative officer in Kaduna South, is spearheading a movement to empower women farmers. Despite urban constraints, her passion for agriculture drives her vision of a future where women have equal access to land, resources, and opportunities.

Recognizing the gender disparities that held women back, Salatu joined AGRA’s Gender Consortium, which provided training in advocacy and resource access. “We struggled in silence,” Salatu recalls, highlighting the previous lack of voice. Equipped with new skills, she and other women successfully lobbied for farmland access in various local governments.

Beyond land, financial empowerment became a focus. Women formed cooperatives, pooling resources for equipment and inputs. Salatu’s cooperative secured a loan, enabling them to scale their operations. They also advocated for greater financial inclusion and fairer lending conditions.

A landmark achievement is Kaduna State’s first gender policy for agriculture. Salatu and her peers contributed their experiences, working with Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women. “This policy is a dream come true,” Salatu states, emphasizing its potential to ensure equal opportunities for women.

This initiative demonstrates the power of advocacy and collective action. By equipping women with knowledge and platforms, Salatu and her fellow advocates are shaping a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural future for Nigeria.