Nigeria’s agriculture sector pushes for passage of key bill
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector are advocating for the quick passage of the Agricultural Extension Service Delivery Revitalisation Bill, highlighting its potential to modernize agriculture, boost productivity, and enhance food security. During a recent meeting in Abuja, Dr. Salamatu Garba of the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) emphasized the bill’s role in addressing critical challenges, including the shortage of qualified extension workers and weak connections between farmers and researchers.
The bill aims to modernize extension services through digital innovation, gender inclusion, and better working conditions for extension agents. It also seeks to promote youth and female participation, as only 15 percent of extension workers are women, despite women making up 70 percent of the agricultural labor force. Other experts noted that the bill would strengthen agricultural research and bridge the service coverage deficit, which currently affects over 40 million farm households in Nigeria.
