Women farmers in Borno State have called on the government at all levels to invest in climate-resilient and agroecology-friendly initiatives that would improve rural livelihoods, enhance the movement of agricultural produce, and strengthen the state’s value chain.
The demand was made during a weekend engagement in Maiduguri themed “Strengthening the Network of Actors for the Promotion of Agroecology”, organised by the Centre for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI) with support from ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Blessing Ifemenan, Program Advisor at ActionAid Nigeria, said the initiative was created to build a coordinated movement that advances sustainable farming, increases market access for agroecological products, and promotes joint advocacy for supportive policies.
According to her, “The essence of the initiative to strengthen the network of actors for promotion of agroecology, we have been training women farmers on climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture practices because climate change has come to have a weighty impact.”
She added, “So we are looking at how people move away from harmful practices of farming to sustainable ways of engaging in organic farming, organic pesticides, and smart agriculture rather than harming the environment.”
Participants noted that the limited exposure of smallholder women to sustainable methods, such as soil management and water-efficient techniques, has heightened their vulnerability to erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and recurrent flooding.
Representing the coalition, Aishatu Isa said climate-related challenges are worsening across farming communities in Bama, Konduga, Gwoza and others, where crop yields continue to fall.
“Most women still depend on traditional practices that no longer work in this environment. We need training on soil health, improved seeds, composting and simple irrigation techniques,” she said.
Another farmer, Sa’adatu Sani, decried the absence of early-warning systems and advisory services that would help women make better planting decisions.
“We want government and partners to come closer to the community level. The climate is changing fast, but the support reaching women farmers is still too small,” she said.
She commended CATAI and ActionAid for convening the training, describing it as timely and urging more agencies to create opportunities for women who contribute significantly to household food security.
The Project Lead for the Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA2), Ibrahim Abdulkadir, explained that the engagement was designed to reinforce the network of actors advancing agroecology in the state.
“This engagement serves as a learning hub, and we are targeting solutions that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable and socially just,” he said.
He noted that strengthening women’s agroecological knowledge would enable them to produce a variety of nutritious, culturally appropriate foods, reduce reliance on external markets, and support more resilient local food systems.
Abdulkadir further urged government agencies, development partners and research institutions to expand extension services and prioritise community-based training that equips women with practical, climate-responsive skills needed to sustain production in a state affected by insurgency and climate shocks.
