By Azuka Offor
The Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative has highlighted the importance of household food production, nutrition and sustainable living as Anambra joins the rest of the world to mark the International Day of Rural Women.
The initiative, championed by the wife of the governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, encourages families to cultivate food at home and adopt healthy lifestyles, practices that could help rural households improve nutrition and reduce food expenses.
The 2026 celebration, themed “Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature,” focuses on the contributions of rural women to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and food security.
Across Anambra and other parts of Nigeria, rural women contribute to food production, processing and marketing, while also supporting household livelihoods and community development.
Their activities are important to local food supply and rural economies, but many women farmers face challenges, including limited access to land, agricultural financing, modern farming technology and reliable markets.
Addressing these constraints through agricultural training, affordable credit, improved market access and environmentally sustainable farming practices could strengthen their productivity and incomes.
Mrs Soludo has also advocated greater opportunities for women and girls in education, leadership, skills acquisition and economic participation.
The International Day of Rural Women, observed annually on Oct. 15, provides an opportunity to recognise rural women’s contributions to agriculture and development and draw attention to the barriers limiting their economic opportunities.
Supporting rural women farmers remains important to improving food security, strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural development in Anambra State.
Azuka Offor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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