Nasarawa: The Family Life and Community Health Society (FLACHS), under the Development Research and Projects Centre’s (dRPC) NGO Support Initiative (NSI), has commenced the distribution of hybrid cowpea seeds to women farmers in Lokotiye Community, Nasarawa. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Elijah Ahman, representing the Executive Director of FLACHS, Mrs. Ene Ochegbudu, highlighted the initiative’s importance.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ahman emphasized that women are crucial to agricultural production in the state, and the goal of the initiative is to enhance yields, improve household food security, and bolster income and resilience. He noted that the initiative goes beyond seed distribution, aiming to sow hope, build stronger communities, and promote equality in agriculture. Ahman also addressed the challenges facing women farmers, including limited access to quality seeds, reliance on traditional methods, and vulnerability to climate change. The project, titled ‘Empowering Women Farmers in Nasarawa through Climate-Resilient Seed Access and Sustainable Agriculture,’ will support 100 women farmers, including widows, by providing hybrid seeds and climate-smart training.
Mrs. Ene Ochegbudu, also serving as FLACHS NSI Project Director, explained that the project is valued at N5 million and is being implemented in two clusters. The intervention targets poor women who are often excluded from accessing agricultural inputs, with aims to enhance food security, economic stability, and community development. Each woman will receive a seed package worth over N20,000, sufficient to cultivate one and a half plots of land. The hybrid variety, Sampea11, sourced from a national research institute, is noted for its high yield, early maturity, and resistance to Striga and drought. Ochegbudu stated that with proper management, each beneficiary could expect a grain yield of 300 to 375 kg.
Mr. Joe Dikko, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture, Karu Local Government Area, praised FLACHS and dRPC for their efforts and urged beneficiaries to use the seedlings wisely. Chief Ibrahim Shekwagu, Head of Lokotiye Community, remarked that this intervention would aid resource-poor farmers in expanding their productivity and described the initiative as the first of its kind in the area. He encouraged the women to capitalize on the opportunity and ensure the donors’ efforts are not squandered.
Other community leaders, including Mr. Godwin Ukadike and Mr. Gbenga Iwalami, commended the project, calling it a transformative initiative. Mrs. Rebecca Katmi, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude, stating that she had been concerned about securing funds for seeds before the intervention. “We are very grateful for this support. May God bless the organisations behind this,” she said.
