To commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, themed “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” the Coordinator of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club, Mrs. Funmi Omoyele, emphasised the importance of women’s inclusivity in agribusiness decision-making.
Speaking at a webinar organised by Green Republic Farms, titled “Empowering Women in Agriculture – Innovations, Finance & Market Access,” Omoyele stressed that agriculture is the lifeblood of Africa, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Despite women’s crucial role in agriculture, Omoyele noted that they are often neglected at the leadership level. “Women are the true custodians of food production, processing, and trade, yet they are overlooked, underfunded, and underrepresented in decision-making spaces,” she lamented.
Citing a World Bank Group report, Omoyele highlighted that women contribute nearly 50% of Africa’s agricultural workforce. However, they control less than 20% of agricultural resources, such as land, finance, and technology.
Omoyele noted that while progress has been made, there remain significant barriers preventing women from fully maximising their potential and attaining leadership in Agribusiness.
These barriers include Limited Access to Finance: Women receive only seven (7) per cent of total agricultural investment in Africa.
Land Ownership Inequality: Women own less than 15 per cent of farmlands due to restrictive inheritance laws and cultural biases.
Technological Gaps: Digital tools, mechanised farming, and modern processing facilities remain out of reach for many women-led enterprises.
Market Access Challenges: Women struggle with limited distribution channels and unfair pricing in local and international markets.
Climate Change and Sustainability Issues: Droughts, floods, and soil degradation disproportionately affect women farmers, many of whom rely on small-scale, rain-fed farming.
To address these challenges, Omoyele recommended innovation which she described as game changer, emphasising the importance of digital tools, agri-tech solutions, and sustainable farming practices in bridging the gender gap in agricultural productivity.
“The future of agriculture depends on innovation; from precision farming and climate-smart technologies to digital platforms that enhance productivity and market access. For women, technology represents a game-changer”, she said.
Noting that finance remains one of the biggest barriers to women’s agricultural success, she encouraged the use of Microfinance and Cooperative Models, Gender Responsive Credit Policies, and Public-Private Partnerships.
To address the challenge of market access, Omoyele recommended Women-led Agribusiness Networks, E-commerce and Digital Marketplace, Fair Trade and Certification Programmes.
The agribusiness expert also encouraged women to remain resilient and cited examples of successful women in agribusiness, including Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Ada Osakwe, Josephine Okot, Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, and Affiong Williams.
In her call to action, Omoyele urged stakeholders to commit to policy reforms, investing in women-led agribusinesses, leveraging technology, and strengthening networks and mentorship opportunities for women in agribusiness.
“The future of agribusiness in Nigeria and Africa is undoubtedly female-led, technology-driven, and innovation-focused,” Omoyele concluded.
“Let’s commit to action through investment, mentorship, and policy support to shape a more inclusive agricultural future”, she urged.
The virtual event was attended by both women in agribusiness and other stakeholders.
A panel discussion had women in agribusiness highlight their challenges and measures applied in to address them.