Women farmers withdraw from AFAN, citing leadership crisis

The Nigeria Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) has announced its decision to disengage from the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the country’s apex farming body.

Addressing the press in Abuja on Tuesday, NWAPDI’s National Coordinator, Omolara Svensson, underscored the necessity of the withdrawal, “…after extensive deliberations, NWAPDI has resolved to sever ties with AFAN,” Svensson stated.

She cited the lack of adequate representation of women within AFAN’s operations and the persistent leadership conflicts within the organization, issues she attempted to address during her tenure as Head of Women in Agriculture for the Oyo State AFAN chapter.

Despite concerted efforts to resolve these concerns, NWAPDI concluded that redirecting its efforts was imperative.

NWAPDI, established as a pioneering Nigerian entity exclusively dedicated to women in agriculture across various sectors, aims to empower and support women in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Svensson stressed the organisation’s unique focus on women’s empowerment within agriculture compared to AFAN and similar bodies.

“The ongoing leadership disputes within AFAN have fostered an unstable and unproductive atmosphere, hindering effective collaboration and progress. Under such circumstances, fulfilling NWAPDI’s mandate has become increasingly challenging.

“The poor inclusion of women in AFAN’s activities and the ongoing leadership tussles within the organization, which I tried to address during my tenure as Head of Women in Agriculture for the Oyo State AFAN chapter.

“These internal conflicts have made it increasingly challenging for NWAPDI to fulfil its mandate under such circumstances.

“As of today, NWAPDI stands as the only registered and authorized women-only agricultural initiative in Nigeria. This position underscores our commitment to creating a focused, inclusive, and progressive platform for women in agriculture,” she noted.

Svensson said NWAPDI would continue to work tirelessly to support and uplift women in agriculture through various programs, initiatives, and advocacy efforts.