The Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) has officially commenced a landmark research project aimed at understanding the impact of agriculture on women with disabilities in Nigeria. Supported by the Australian Government’s Africa-Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture (AAPCRA) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), the six-month study will generate evidence to inform policy and create a more inclusive agricultural sector.
The research kicked off with a Stakeholders Engagement session in South-West Nigeria, where AWWDI gathered critical insights from women with disabilities, agricultural experts, and community leaders. The session included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations to document lived experiences, highlight barriers, and uncover opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Preliminary findings indicate that women with disabilities face significant obstacles in accessing agricultural resources, training programs, financing, and markets. At the same time, the research aims to identify pathways for socio-economic empowerment, enabling these women to contribute meaningfully to national agricultural development.
According to AWWDI, the insights from the study will form the basis for a comprehensive research report and policy brief. These outputs will guide actionable recommendations for government agencies, NGOs, and stakeholders to strengthen inclusion, support, and empowerment for women with disabilities in agriculture.
AWWDI emphasized that ensuring the voices of women with disabilities are heard is crucial for achieving equitable development. Stakeholders at the session expressed optimism that the research will drive meaningful policy change and enhance access to agricultural opportunities nationwide.