By Florence Okpeti
As the world marks the International Day of Rural Women on October 15, stakeholders have called for increased investment in rural women to strengthen food security, reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.
The annual observance recognises the contributions of rural women to agriculture, food production, family welfare and community development, while highlighting the barriers that limit their access to essential services and economic opportunities.
In Nigeria, rural women play a vital role in farming, food processing, trading and small scale enterprises that sustain households and contribute to local economies. Despite their efforts, many face challenges, including limited access to land ownership, modern farming equipment, affordable credit, education and healthcare.
For women who depend on subsistence farming and informal businesses, these difficulties are compounded by inadequate infrastructure, rising production costs, climate change and limited access to profitable markets.
Stakeholders emphasis that targeted interventions, including vocational training, agricultural extension services, improved healthcare, quality education and accessible financing, could help rural women expand their businesses, increase productivity and improve their living conditions.
They advocate policies that guarantee women equal opportunities to own land, access productive resources and benefit from government development programmes. Greater representation of rural women in decision making, they note, is equally important to ensure that policies reflect their needs and realities.
Beyond their economic contributions, rural women play significant roles in raising families, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community resilience. Improving their welfare, therefore, has benefits that extend beyond individual households to entire communities.
As the commemoration continues, governments, development partners and community leaders are being urged to translate commitments into practical actions that address the challenges facing rural women and create pathways to economic independence.
Empowering rural women is an investment in stronger families, improved food security and a more prosperous society. Ensuring that they have the resources, opportunities and support to thrive is essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
Florence Okpeti is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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