By Lanre Shodimu
In a sector long constrained by limited access to finance and structural barriers, a new wave of targeted support is beginning to reshape the prospects of women in agriculture. Across Northern Nigeria, women-led agribusinesses are gaining renewed momentum as grants, loans and policy backing converge to unlock productivity, strengthen value chains and enhance food security.
Women-led agribusiness operators across Kaduna, Niger and Nasarawa States have received grants and loan support to expand their enterprises and strengthen agricultural productivity.
The intervention was unveiled at a grant award ceremony in Kaduna for women-led agricultural SMEs held at the Kaduna Business School, where beneficiaries were presented with symbolic cheques in the presence of stakeholders and development partners.
The programme, implemented in collaboration with partners including AGRA, SMEDAN and the Kaduna Business School, is designed to improve livelihoods, enhance value chains and address food insecurity.
Speaking at the event in Kaduna on Wednesday, the Rector of Kaduna Business School, Dr. Dahiru Sani, said the initiative highlights the urgent need to support women entrepreneurs in agriculture, noting that limited access to finance remains a major constraint for small-scale operators.
He disclosed that beneficiaries would also access additional financial backing through Keystone Bank’s Pink Women Support Programme to further stabilise and grow their businesses.
Sani emphasised the key role women play in sustaining enterprises, particularly in loan repayment and financial discipline, describing them as dependable in managing business resources.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner, Ministry of Planing and Budget Commission, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed Monrovia explained that the State government has, in the last three years, increased budgetary allocation to agriculture from about 2–3 per cent to a minimum of 10 per cent.
He noted that the move aligns with global benchmarks and reflects the government’s commitment to food security and economic growth.
Also, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo said that agriculture contributes about 42 per cent to the State’s Gross Domestic Product and employs over 60 per cent of the population.
Dabo added that the state has approved a Gender Policy on Agriculture aimed at improving women’s access to resources and participation across the agricultural value chain.
Participants were also encouraged to explore opportunities in processing, packaging and export, as agriculture continues to evolve beyond traditional farming.
Beneficiaries were further advised to form cooperatives to access more support and extend the knowledge gained by mentoring others within their communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Ochanya Onyeke expressed appreciation to the organisers for the support, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
