Nigerian Women Farmers Gain Control Through Cooperative Ownership

Shendam, Nigeria – Across rural Nigeria, women are the backbone of small-scale agriculture, yet they often lack ownership of the land they cultivate. The Hoomsen Women Farmers Shepwan Cooperative Society is challenging this disparity, offering a model for expanding women’s land access and economic empowerment.

A History of Dispossession

The story began in 1992 in the village of Shepwan when Goftar Rifkatu lost her husband. In much of Nigeria, land traditionally passes through male lineage, despite the country’s constitution and the 1978 Land Use Act guaranteeing equal land rights. Widows often face pressure to remarry within their husband’s family to retain access to farmland. Rifkatu refused this expectation and subsequently lost the farm she and her husband had worked for years, which supported her children’s education.

Rifkatu’s experience is not unique. Women account for an estimated 70% to 80% of the labor force on small farms nationwide, but hold only a fraction of land titles. Without land titles, securing credit and expanding operations becomes nearly impossible.

From Laborers to Landowners

Instead of pursuing costly and lengthy legal battles, Rifkatu and approximately 20 other women formed a collective. They initially worked as laborers, cultivating land for others in exchange for produce or cash. By 2000, they had pooled their savings to rent their first plot, planting peppers, corn, and peanuts. This early collaboration, described as “sisters looking after sisters,” laid the foundation for the cooperative’s future success.

Expanding Access and Challenging Norms

The Hoomsen Women Farmers Shepwan Cooperative Society has grown to over 50 members. Ngizan Chahul, national president of the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture, notes that women are increasingly challenging traditional norms by forming cooperatives, pooling resources to lease or purchase land, and even pursuing legal action to claim ownership. “The barriers are still here, but the mindset is changing,” she says. “More women are beginning to see land as leverage, and a lot more of us are taking ownership.”

Gaining Support and Securing Funding

Initially met with skepticism from some community members, the women demonstrated their organizational skills and dedication. Local farmer Manasseh Komsol, who was initially hesitant, rented land to the cooperative after witnessing their discipline and work ethic. In 2019, the group received a €25,000 (approximately $29,000) grant from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Voice Global, a project implemented by Oxfam.

With the grant and support from male allies, the cooperative purchased nearly 25 acres of land, along with fertilizer and seedlings. This success inspired others in the community to assist with land preparation and cultivation.

A Model for Economic Independence and Leadership

Rebecca Naa’npoe, an agricultural officer with Shendam’s local government, believes the cooperative provides a replicable model for other communities. “The fact that they have been able to do this for more than a decade, starting from zero with only each other, demonstrates what is possible,” she says. “It strengthens women’s economic independence.”

The cooperative’s influence extends beyond economic empowerment. In 2023, Shepwan appointed its first Magajiya – a formally recognized female leader within the traditional kinship structure – giving women a voice in community council meetings and dispute resolution.

Cooperative Operations and Future Growth

The cooperative operates with a transparent and collaborative structure. Weekly meetings address both personal and farm-related matters, with a focus on managing contributions, savings, and needs. Responsibilities are assigned at the start of each planting season, and profits are distributed at harvest, with a portion reinvested in the farm and a reserve fund for emergencies. This fund has provided crucial support to members facing unexpected expenses, such as medical bills and school fees.

At the Longvel market, members prioritize selling their peppers at a fair price, demonstrating their collective control. As Mrs. Ruda stated, “Next season, we should plant more peppers.”