A Nigerian university professor has called for the establishment of a more accessible credit system to support women farmers, who often face significant barriers in obtaining financial resources. The professor, based at a leading Nigerian university, emphasized that women in agriculture are frequently excluded from traditional banking services due to lack of collateral and limited access to formal financial institutions.
The proposal comes amid growing recognition of the role women play in food security and economic development in rural areas. According to recent studies, women contribute up to 70% of agricultural labor in some regions of Nigeria, yet they remain underrepresented in decision-making and financial services.
The professor suggested that microfinance initiatives and government-backed credit programs could help bridge this gap. Such measures, they argued, would not only empower women but also boost overall agricultural productivity.
The call for reform aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equality in economic sectors. While progress has been made, the professor stressed that more targeted policies are needed to ensure women farmers can fully participate in the economy.
