Nigerian Women in Agriculture have been said to play a vital role towards ensuring Food Security and Economic growth.
Speaking at the 3rd Edition Training for Women Farmers in Bwari Area Council, The Executive Director of Women Of Dignity And Girls Of Honour Empowerment Initiative ( WODGOH) , Mrs Rachael Olaide Adekunle said the role of Women Farmers is very crucial to the development of the nation and that is her NGO has taken it as a responsibility to equip them through the annual training program.
The Training which focused on reducing post harvest losses; is meant to boost productivity, increase Food Security and income from Crops and livestock.
Mrs Adekunle said the training will equip the Women Farmers with Knowledge and Skills to minimize Food losses and be able to contribute to Food Supply in Nigeria and enhance National development.
Director of Agriculture at the Bwari Area Council, Dr Babatunde Moses Kayode taught the Women on how to reduce loses from The Farm to The Table.
Dr Babatunde who was represented by Mr Isah Haruna said there are ways to reduce post- harvest losses and these includes adequate Storage techniques, Pest Control, Strengthening Transportation in Rural areas, Access to Markets and periodic Training programs and Workshops.
The Chief Executive Officer of Sudets Food Ltd, Mr Jacob Tanko said some of the available resources to minimize Post- harvest losses are Constant Research by Agricultural Institutes, procurement of Processing equipment and Solar Dryers amongst others.
The Representative Of The Nigerian Police, DSP Hauwa Ombugu who represented The DPO trained the Women on Security and how to be safe during the Farming Season. She advised them to move in groups, avoid areas and desist from staying late in the Farm.
She also urged to always make use of The Police Toll-free line in case of any emergency.
The FCT State Coordinator, National Directorate of Employment ( NDE) Mr Noble Chimereze assured the Women of Government Support and advised them to continue to be diligent and committed to their Farming business.
The participants were highly elated at the opportunity given to them to learn ways of managing their Farm business.
Speaking on behalf of participants, Mrs Priscilla Bulus Said that the training will surely boost harvest and that a lot of Women are encouraged to continue Farming inspite of numerous challenges because of the assistance given to them by The Women Of Dignity And Girls Of Honour Empowerment Initiative.
The Training emphasized access to financial aid to Farmers, frequent trainings, Data Collection and formulation of policies that will favour Farmers, especially the Women.
Participants of The Training which took place in Bwari on the Wednesday, 31st July 2024 also benefitted from Weed Control Chemical.
The Training by WODGOH also reiterated the need for collective effort to reduce post- harvest losses and boost Food Security as a panacea for Economic growth.
