The International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD), in collaboration with the Rose of Sharon Foundation (ROSF), has trained 100 women farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas on climate-smart agriculture and agroecology techniques.
During the training held on Friday in Abuja, Dr. Ndudi Bowei, Consulting Partner for ICEHD, explained that the initiative is designed to equip women farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt to the effects of climate change.
She noted that the training focused on empowering the participants with practical adaptation strategies that can help them manage the environmental and economic challenges posed by climate change.
Bowei emphasized that the program also addressed how climate change negatively impacts female farmers, including issues such as soil dryness and nutrient loss.
The women were trained on methods to expand their agricultural businesses, including processing, packaging, labeling, and exporting their produce. In addition, they were educated on sustainable farming practices that enhance climate resilience.
“We are committed to helping these women increase their understanding of climate-smart agriculture,” Bowei stated. “Beyond the training, we are also providing them with essential farming tools to support their productivity and independence. Economic empowerment of women is key.”
Mrs. Oloruntosin Taiwo, National Coordinator of ROSF, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting widows who are also engaged in farming. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that these women can maintain their livelihoods despite changing climate conditions.
“Our aim is to bring stability to the lives of widow farmers,” Taiwo said. “This training will equip them with knowledge to continue producing high-quality crops, even in the face of climate change, so they can support themselves and their families.”
In her presentation, Mrs. Iyabo Mustapha, Assistant Director at the Department of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, stressed the value of information and education in implementing climate-smart agriculture.
She encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve their productivity and sustainability.
At the end of the program, the women received farming tools and inputs, including solar-powered irrigation pumps, knapsack sprayers, sprinklers, and bio-fertilizers.
