By Abel Daniel, Lafia

The Federal Government in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (FGN/IFAD-VCDP) has begun moves with the Nasarawa State Government to adopt the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) as state policy to promote gender equity and strengthen rural livelihoods through agriculture.

Dr. Fatima Aliyu, National Programme Coordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, represented by Mrs. Vera Onyeaka-Onyilo, said at a policy dialogue that the system had proven effective in fostering harmony, joint decision-making, and economic well-being in rural households.

She explained that GALS, already being implemented in Nasarawa communities and other states, helps men and women share responsibilities, participate in agribusiness, and reduce gender-based violence.

Aliyu emphasized the need for legislative backing to institutionalize the approach beyond communities into ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure sustainability beyond 2026 when VCDP winds up.

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Umar Tanko-Tunga, pledged government support for adopting GALS, saying the methodology had made a significant impact on farmers and must be sustained.

Dr. Eunice Adgidzi, State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, added that GALS had improved social inclusion, reduced household conflicts, and boosted farmers’ incomes, allowing even non-literate farmers to make joint decisions using simple tools and symbols.

She said the programme currently operates in Lafia, Doma, Wamba, Nasarawa, and Karu LGAs, with plans to expand to more areas.

Sharing their testimony, a farmer, Mr. Yusuf Maraf, and his wife, Madinatu, from Doma LGA, revealed that 25 years of domestic violence in their marriage ended after adopting the GALS methodology, which helped them build mutual respect and partnership.