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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a bid to combat the looming threat of food insecurity and mitigate the impacts of climate change, the Women Environmental Programmes (WED), in collaboration with Christian Aid Nigeria, has embarked on a transformative initiative in the rural communities of Lafia local government area, Nasarawa state.
In a two Day distribution which started on of Improved Seed in Nasarawa state which commences on Thursday and Friday in May 2024. Aims to empower local farmers, particularly women, by providing them with improved seeds essential for agricultural production.
Sun reports that over one hundred individuals, comprising both women and men, have been equipped with improved seeds such as rice, sorghum, millet, and cassava. These seeds are meticulously selected to withstand the adversities posed by climate change, ensuring a sustainable yield despite environmental challenges.
In the community of Bakin Riggia, nestled within Lafia local government area, fifty farmers have been bolstered with these enhanced seeds. A community leader, James Alu, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are thankful to the organization for remembering us at this crucial time of food security.”
Similarly, in the Buka Alu community, over fifty women farmers, alongside men, have been provided with these vital resources. Amina Ali a beneficiary and prominent farmer, tearfully expressed her gratitude, affirming her commitment to utilizing the seeds judiciously for the forthcoming planting season.
Mary Augustine another beneficiary, commended WED for their dedication to rural development, stating, “We are grateful for their intervention and for believing in our community’s potential.”
The impact of this initiative has resonated deeply with the beneficiaries, as highlighted by Amina Sani, a woman leader from Bakin Riggia, who joyfully exclaimed, “This is indeed a moment of joy for us. We anticipate a bountiful harvest this year.”
Damaris Uja, the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager of WED, elucidated the rationale behind selecting these communities, emphasizing their agrarian nature and vast arable land. She explained the significance of empowering women farmers, who are often the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
“The essence of choosing these communities,” Uja explained, “is to bolster their resilience against climate change impacts through the provision of improved seeds tailored to their agricultural needs.”
Furthermore, Uja reiterated the organization’s commitment to capacity building, noting that prior training sessions laid the foundation for effective seed utilization. “Now is the time for implementation,” she urged, “and we implore all beneficiaries to utilize the seeds judiciously to ensure a prosperous harvest season.”
