By Benjamin Njoku

Africa’s representative on the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the Rights of Farmers, Professor Uche Ofodile of Nigeria, has urged African governments to prioritize the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the continent’s agricultural value chain.
Speaking to mark the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Ofodile said that excluding disabled people from production, processing, marketing and distribution weakens rural incomes and hampers poverty reduction.
“As we mark the 33rd anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of persons with disabilities in Africa. At the same time, I draw attention to the barriers that keep millions of Africans with disabilities from fully participating in the rural economy, especially in agriculture. Disability‑inclusive agriculture is both a moral responsibility and a smart economic strategy for our continent,”she said
Ofodile explained that when disabled persons are included, rural incomes rise, inequality falls, food security improves, and communities become more resilient and just. She called for every African government, community and development partner to make disability inclusion a priority.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, established by UN Resolution 47/3 in 1992, is observed on December 3. This year’s theme, “Fostering disability‑inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” urges a confrontation with discrimination, stigma and marginalisation, and encourages the adoption of digital tools and assistive technologies that can open doors for millions of rural Africans.
Ofodile highlighted progress on the legal front, noting that Africa has strong foundations:
“Africa has made important strides. Article 18(4) of the African Charter affirms the right of persons with disabilities to special protection. Article 13 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child protects children with disabilities. At least ten African countries have ratified the UNCRPD.”
A major milestone came in 2018 with the adoption of the African Disability Protocol, the first continent‑wide disability‑specific instrument. The Protocol entered into force on 5 May 2024, and sixteen African nations—including Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Kenya, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic—have ratified it.
Ofodile expressed optimism that these legal advances, combined with practical initiatives, will enable Africa to build an inclusive agricultural system that leaves no one behind.