The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and the FCT Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) organized a 3-day training for 80 small-scale women farmers in nine rural communities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria.
The training, supported by Action Aid Nigeria, focused on agroecology as a systemic approach to improve agro-food processes and enhance environmental performance, as disclosed by CITAD’s Programs Officer, Buhari Abba, in a statement.
According to CITAD Program Officer, Mrs. Yesmin Salako from the Abuja Office, the training aimed to help women farmers understand and implement agroecological practices on their farmland, leading to positive impacts on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of their farms.
She explained that participants were taught about soil conservation, sustainable water management, reducing agrochemical usage, using natural fertilizers like compost, pest control with neem leaves, multiple cropping, agroforestry, and sustainable livestock management.
Mrs. Salako revealed that after the training, the participants were encouraged to share the knowledge gained with others in their communities. Monitoring and evaluation conducted later revealed some impressive success stories.
Farmers reported substantial improvements in their crop yields and incomes after implementing agroecology practices.
“For instance, Bashir Musa from Tungan Ashere increased his corn harvest from 1 bag to 3 bags on the same plot of land, resulting in a significant boost in income to N41,000 as against N18,000 per bag, which it was sold previously.
“The use of meat water instead of chemical pesticides in Tungan Nasara led to reduced pest damage and an increase in weekly earnings for the women farmers from N5,000 to N10,000.”
“In Dakwa community, the adoption of compost manure and organic fertilizers resulted in a higher corn harvest of 45 bags of corn as against 25 bags on the same size of land, leading to increased profits for the women farmers from N18,000 to N45,000.
“Also, the women in Leleyi Gwari community successfully sensitized their community members to stop using chemical fertilizers and embrace compost manure, leading to positive changes in agricultural practices,” the Programs Officer revealed.
Mrs. Yesmin Salako further explained that to promote sustainable agriculture, 450 economic trees were donated to the communities, including mangoes, cashew, orange, and guava, contributing to the ecological well-being of the areas.
