100 Women Farmers in Nasarawa Empowered with Climate-Resilient Cowpea Seeds in Landmark Agriculture Initiative

A hundred women farmers in Lokotiye Community, Nasarawa State, have received hybrid cowpea seeds as part of a new agricultural empowerment initiative spearheaded by the Family Life and Community Health Society (FLACHS) in collaboration with the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) under its NGO Support Initiative (NSI).

The programme, titled “Empowering Women Farmers in Nasarawa through Climate-Resilient Seed Access and Sustainable Agriculture,” aims to boost food security, improve women’s livelihoods, and build climate resilience among rural farmers, particularly widows and low-income women.

During the flag-off ceremony, a representative of the FLACHS Executive Director described the intervention as more than just seed distribution.

“This is about building resilience, promoting gender equality in agriculture, and driving sustainable food production in our communities.”

Key Features of the Project:

• Target Group: 100 economically disadvantaged women, including widows
• Seed Variety: Sampea11 – an improved, early-maturing, drought-resistant, and Striga-tolerant hybrid cowpea variety
• Seed Package Value: Over N20,000 per beneficiary – enough to cultivate 1.5 plots
• Expected Yield: 300–375 kg of cowpea per farmer under proper cultivation
• Budget: N5 million
• Implementation Structure: Delivered in two clusters

The FLACHS NSI Project Director emphasized that the initiative addresses the persistent barriers women face in agriculture, especially limited access to improved inputs and vulnerability to climate change. In addition to seeds, the programme includes training on climate-smart agricultural practices and support for forming cooperative groups to ensure long-term sustainability and collective growth.

Community leaders and government officials praised the intervention. The Deputy Director of Agriculture in Karu Local Government encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity.

“Use the seeds wisely—this is a real chance to change your farming story,” he urged.

The community head described the initiative as the first of its kind in Lokotiye, calling it a “historic and life-changing opportunity.” Other local leaders echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for a programme that prioritizes rural women.

For women like Mrs. Rebecca Katmi, the support came just in time.

“I was worried about how to afford seeds this season. This help means everything,” she said.

With this initiative, FLACHS and dRPC are not only investing in agriculture—they’re investing in women, resilience, and the future of food security in Nasarawa State.