In a landmark initiative to promote sustainable agriculture and women’s economic empowerment, no fewer than 100 rural women farmers from various northern states received intensive training in climate-smart agriculture and agroecology practices in Abuja.
The two-day training was spearheaded by the International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD), in collaboration with the Rose of Sharon Foundation. The program aimed to equip women with practical tools to combat climate change while improving productivity and enhancing food security.
Agricultural experts delivered a mix of theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations, focusing on organic farming methods, soil health improvement, and eco-friendly pest control. Participants also received hands-on experience in post-harvest techniques, including sorting, processing, packaging, labelling, and strategies for local and international market access.
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Dr. Ndudi Bowei, a consulting partner with ICEHD, emphasized the urgency of equipping women with adaptive strategies in the face of worsening climate conditions.
“Climate change has intensified the challenges women farmers face, from soil degradation to erratic rainfall. This training empowers them with sustainable alternatives such as organic compost and natural pesticides that restore soil fertility and boost crop yields,” she said.
Dr. Bowei also highlighted the broader impact of empowering women in agriculture.
“Beyond farming, economic empowerment allows women to advocate for leadership roles, influence agricultural policies, and secure financial independence,” she added.
Speaking at the event, Oloruntosin Taiwo, National Coordinator of the Rose of Sharon Foundation, underlined the importance of targeting vulnerable groups, especially widows who rely heavily on farming for survival.
“Many of the widows we support depend on agriculture. Climate change threatens their livelihoods, but with the right knowledge and resources, they can sustain and grow their farms despite environmental challenges,” Taiwo stated.
As part of the initiative, participating farmers received a wide range of farming inputs at no cost, including knapsack sprayers, gardening tools, solar-powered irrigation pumps, organic compost, and bio-fertilizers — empowering them to immediately implement their new knowledge on the field.
This CSR-driven initiative demonstrates the power of collaborative impact in fostering resilient communities, gender inclusion, and sustainable agriculture in rural Nigeria.
