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Abstract:
This study is descriptive which enabled the researcher to capture the realities and practices of the rural farmers as they are on the ground; using a field study adopted; investigation was carried out on how to build capacity among the rural farmers in order strengthen their means, abilities and resilience to enhance food sustainability. Women farmers' empowerment generally sets a direct pathway towards achievement of gender equality in agriculture, poverty eradication and holistic economic growth. The study established that women were the majority in food production in food production, they accounted for 66.4% in the sector. However, even though they were the majority, the problems compromising food productivity seemed to affect them more and more: 62% were unable to access credit; 62% were unable to access information while 81% could not access modern technology and modern practices; 81% were locked out from accessing financial resources; and finally 87% were landlessness. Food security and sustainability tops most of the countries' development agenda world over. However, despite the commitment to enhance food security; scholars and practitioners have already established the problem of insufficient capacities among the rural farmers which has remained as one of the barriers to attaining food security. Although food security is a global issue; the phenomenon of food insecurity has become synonymous with the African problems. Indeed, to some people the possibility of the continent to become food sufficiency remains a mere dream. Adequate capacity building calls for monitoring, evaluation and documenting of the farmers activities in order to record all the lessons therein and the best practices. The pillars of food security include availability of food; adequate access to food whenever people need it; and finally ability to utilize the food. Burgeoning development literature has continued to show that without capacity building, all other development efforts amount to nothing other than failure. Part of the capacity building needed for the rural farmers include analytical and managerial capacities, and general capacities. The local farmers should adequately participate in the process of food production assisted by the government's extension workers or community volunteers who help to fill the gap; other actors include local community leaders, administrators and political leaders.
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