Building rural women's capacity for Nigerian agricultural and environmental reform: The role of non governmental organizations (NGOs)

Abstract

The problem of environmental development in Africa has, over the years, engaged the attention of international community; government and non-governmental organization (NGOs). In Nigeria, attitudes and policies on environmental resources have hitherto been shaped by narrow economic and gender considerations. Suffice to say environmental issues are best handled with the participation and involvement of all concerned citizens at relevant levels. Environmental development, being an index for human and agricultural advancement should therefore harness the participation of all stakeholders including rural women. The paper posits that rural women form a significant demographic chunk that performs mutidimensional roles both at home and on the farms. Unfortunately, rural women are hither deliberately or inadvertently neglected by developers when addressing issues that touch on the environment. The NGOs in particular, should henceforth promote availability of micro-finance in agricultural related activities for rural women who are at the center of concerns for sustainable development. The paper concludes with policy options that women’s involvement and participation should be enhanced through capital development and skills acquisition in harvesting and food processing and this could be achieved through improved access to environmental education and training, among others.