Gender, Agriculture and Nutrition-Sensitive Rural Development: A Critical Analysis with Nigeria as a Case Study

This chapter examines the relationship between gender equality, agriculture, nutrition and rural development, using Nigeria as an important case context. It argues that agricultural productivity alone does not guarantee improved nutrition unless women have access to productive resources, decision-making authority, control over income and manageable workloads. Women contribute significantly to food production, processing, marketing, household nutrition and child care, yet they often face limited land ownership, weak access to finance, restricted extension support, low technology adoption and unequal power within households. The chapter discusses nutrition-sensitive agriculture as an approach that connects farm production with dietary diversity, maternal and child nutrition, household food allocation, sanitation, health services and care responsibilities. It emphasises that women should not be treated simply as instruments for achieving better child nutrition; they must be recognised as rights holders and economic actors. The Nigerian case illustrates how gender inequality can weaken food security and nutritional outcomes despite women’s substantial contribution to agrifood systems. The chapter recommends gender-responsive agricultural policies, women-centred extension, improved access to credit and land, nutrition education, support for home gardens and livestock enterprises, and better coordination between agriculture, health and social protection sectors. It concludes that rural nutrition outcomes improve when women’s agency and resource control are strengthened.