Women farmers seek FG’s intervention on mechanised agric, investments

The Women in Mechanised Agriculture (WIMA) has urged the federal and state governments’ supports to enhance women’s access to mechanised farming equipment and integrate women-focused agricultural empowerment and investment initiatives into national policies. The WIMA Board Chairperson, Dr. Aisha Waziri, at a media parley on Tuesday in Abuja, said that mechanisation is crucial to improving […]

The Women in Mechanised Agriculture (WIMA) has urged the federal and state governments’ supports to enhance women’s access to mechanised farming equipment and integrate women-focused agricultural empowerment and investment initiatives into national policies.

The WIMA Board Chairperson, Dr. Aisha Waziri, at a media parley on Tuesday in Abuja, said that mechanisation is crucial to improving agricultural productivity and empowering women across Nigeria apart from ensuring food security.

“We are urging key ministries, including Women Affairs, Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Science and Technology, to incorporate mechanisation support for women into their policies.

“This initiative has been tried, tested, and proven to work. It is not just a proposal—it is a real solution that can change lives,” Waziri said.

She highlighted the programme’s innovation, describing it as a unique model akin to a ride-hailing service for mechanised farming equipment.

She said, “This initiative allows women to access agricultural machinery on a lease basis at zero upfront cost. It is entirely women-run, with urban women in Abuja connecting with grassroots farmers. It is a win-win for both the government and the women involved.”

Dr. Waziri appealed to policymakers and legislators to endorse the programme, saying “We need our lawmakers and governors to buy into this initiative. It has the potential to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria and support the country’s diversification away from oil. WIMA is exploring crowdfunding but is ensuring regulatory compliance before formalising the initiative.

“Women in rural areas represent the demand side of the funds, while urban women provide financial support. This model enables busy professionals to invest in agriculture as a side business.”

Also, the WIMA President Mrs Aisha Yakubu Bako, said that the organisation developed its business model in 2019, where women acted as aggregators of mechanisation services.

She said that the model was initially supported by the Mastercard Foundation in 2020, allowing for testing and eventual scaling.

Bako said, “We began with just six women. By 2020, with Mastercard’s support, we had grown to 250 members. By 2022–2023, our numbers reached approximately 500. This year, we are expanding to 2,000 women, providing them with access to tractors.”
She said that WIMA operates as a business membership organisation rather than a charity.

On her part, agribusiness specialist and WIMA Board of Trustees member, Ms Heather-Ronke Akanni, noted the need for policies that go beyond agricultural production and marketing to fully support mechanisation for women.

“Mechanisation is key to boosting productivity and enhancing processing. If we receive policy support and attract investment, the impact will be significant. More women and young people will join, and the numbers will grow exponentially.

“With the right policy support, this initiative can transform mechanised farming in Nigeria, creating employment and economic opportunities for women across the country,” Akanni said.