Esther Salifu
As part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) and Rise Up International has empowered 30 women farmers in Bwari Area Council, Abuja.
The group commended the HERFON team for their laudable efforts in supporting the women farmers.
One of the beneficiaries, Blessing Samuel, expressed her struggles stating that shouldering the entire burden, from farming to gathering firewood, is cumbersome.
“Women farmers should be supported tremendously. Firewood is now scarce, and we are forced to cultivate hills and mountains, which is exhausting. We need support from the government and other well-meaning Nigerians.”
Blessing further lamented, “When I receive a small amount of money, I am torn between buying food seasoning or chemicals for the farm. I am confused and sometimes cry because, as a true farmer, I love farming more than any government job.”
The women expressed frustration over the shift from traditional farming methods to chemical-based farming, which they cannot afford. They pleaded with the government to provide financial assistance, including access to fertilizers, chemicals, and seeds.
Another beneficiary, Lami Samuel, called on the government to further aid them.
“We do not want to be stranded; that’s why we are farming. We have been working hard to feed our families; now it’s time for the government to help us.”
Lami further lamented the presence of Fulani herdsmen, who are destroying their crops and threatening their safety.
“As women, we are facing numerous challenges, particularly regarding food security. Farming, which is our primary source of livelihood, has become a struggle. We lack the funds to purchase essential chemicals and food for our children. Our husbands are not supporting us, and some are even lazy.”
The women urged the government to address the country’s food security challenges and provide support to alleviate their suffering.
HERFON Communication Consultant, Bukola Afeni, called on the government to provide an enabling environment for women farmers to carry out their daily farming activities.
She commended the women farmers for their vital role in providing staple food crops in their communities and beyond.
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme is about accelerating action, and we are shining the spotlight on women farmers in Bwari Area Council.
We are here to empower them and support them with chemicals to clear their farms.”
“We believe they play a great role in society, and we will continue to support them in our way to accelerate action through their livelihood.”
The Co-Founder of Inemo Foundation, Sophia Igbori, urged the government and other CSOs to provide seedlings and chemicals for some of the women farmers who cannot afford the materials due to financial constraints.
She also called for support in terms of technological empowerment for the farmers, enabling them to utilize new methods of farming.
“They also need more awareness and training on the best farming methods for this dispensation,” she said.
