Women make up the bulk of those in the farming business,and the production of their produce can be doubled to increase revenue and feed the nation.
The women in agriculture started farming and rearing animals because they wanted to feed their family and help in running of the home,but over the years this has evolved to a business where they rear and sell making money for themselves.
Women in agriculture produce more food that could actually ensure food security but are constrained due to the following:
1) preservation equipment.
2) processing technology.
3)education on proper handling of food.
4)Transportation.
Women in agriculture produce their crops,but lack technical strength in terms of preservation methods
The.women produce grains,that when harvested are stored in sack, or spread on the floor,thus exposing the product to rodents and other pests.
This results in food loss and contamination which reduces revenue of the farmer but also the amount of food available for consumption,thus disrupting the food security chain.
When women have access to modern storage facilities such as silos, more crops will get to market .The provision of such facilities at community level,divisional level or district zoning,will give more women access.
Organizing the farmers per zone and also providing a platform for marketing will ensure more food will get too the market.
Processing technology :the women in the fishing business and poultry are majorly affected. The fish harvested can be sold live,but because they lack processing equipment they cant process the fish into smoked variety.This results in reduced income,as the majority of the fish are left unprocessed and marketers will offer to buy it off at ridiculous prices.
When processing technology is available to these women, such drying stoves/kiln provided at community level,more fish will make it to the market and food security will be a reality.
The education on powered eggs will be an advantage in the poultry industry.When large quantities of eggs are available,storing methods are very important to the marketability of the eggs.
Food handling techniques are very important to food processing and packaging.
Women in agriculture should be educated on proper handling to prevent food waste and food loss.
When crops are harvested ,there are proper handling methods to prevent spoilage;like vegetables, these should be handled with care and store in an aerated environment to prevent rottenness.These must also not be lumped on ,but are stacked on platforms to keep them fresh
Modern techniques on handling will ensure more food get to market to prevent food loss and food waste.
Transportation of these produce is a major key to food security. When roads are accessible more produce get to destination and in record time ensuring fresh foods are available.
The women face a lot of constraints that if addressed in form of training,seminars and provision of infrastructure such as light,electricity,good roads and telecommunication devices,
food security will be a reality. Empower the women!!! feed the nation.
