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 organizations (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 from a significant demographic chunk that performs multidimensional roles both at home and on the farms. Unfortunately, rural women are either 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 centre 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.