Group advocates inclusion of gender equity principles into national rice development council bill
A group, Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has advocated integration of gender equity principles into the National Rice Development Council Bill 2024, to ensure equal participation and benefits for all (men, women, youths, and People living with disabilities).
This position was outlay on Wednesday in Abuja at the revalidation meeting by stakeholders on the National Rice Development Council Bill 2024 by Hajia Maimuna Lawal, WOFAN Strategies and Innovation Director,
The bill is aimed at transforming Nigeria’s rice industry.
The bill supported by the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) ICON-1 MasterCard Foundation funded project and other stakeholders such as the Competitive African Rice Forum (CARF) was approved by the Senate during the 9th assembly but failed to receive presidential assent before the end of the last regime, in 2023.
However, the proposed legislation seeks to enhance the rice production sector by introducing standards that would improve packaging, quality, and the competitiveness of Nigerian rice in the global market.
Maimuna Lawal who presented the position of WOFAN spoke on behalf of the organisation’s Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba.
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She said some of the gender equity provisions to be considered are ensuring equal opportunities for men and women in all aspects of the rice council’s activities, such as programs, projects, and policies.
She said representation, which is to promote gender balance in leadership positions, decision-making bodies, and the committees within the rice council is to ensure that the needs of both women and men, young and old, including those living with disabilities, are captured.
‘’Gender-sensitive Data Collection: Collecting and analyzing data disaggregated by gender to identify and address any disparities or barriers men and women face within the rice sector, she said.’’
According to her, Gender-responsive Budgeting, calls for the allocation of resources and funds in a way
that addresses the specific needs and priorities of both men and women in the rice sector.
‘’Gender-sensitive Research and Innovation: Support research and innovation initiatives that take into account gender differences and address the specific challenges faced by men, women, youths and people living with disabilities in rice production, processing, and marketing.’’
The WOFAN Executive Director added that these positions if included, can help ensure that the rice council efficiently meets its objective of guiding rice research, streamlining innovations, and developing a comprehensive and competitive self-sufficient rice sector which Nigeria really needs.
In a remark, the President of CARF, Peter Dama, said, “The bill proposes capacity-building programs for farmers and enabling them to engage in backward integration. Currently, rice farmers primarily focus on producing paddy, while most of the profits are earned by industrial processors who use by-products like rice husks for activities such as briquette production.
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“The proposed legislation seeks to empower farmers with the skills needed to participate in various aspects of rice production, thus increasing their earnings and contributing more effectively to the value chain.
On his part, Mr Aremu Fakule, a member of the Competitive Rice Forum, noted that the bill will serve as a pivotal tool for sustainable rice development in the country.
“It will foster collaboration among stakeholders to boost local production..it will ensure opportunities for men and women among others”, he added.
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