A non-governmental organisation, Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), has trained 30 women farmers in regenerative agriculture to promote sustainable farming practices and build resilience against climate change.
The three-day workshop, themed “Regenerative Agriculture Accelerator”, was held in Kaduna under the Integrated COVID and Climate Resilience Nigeria Programme, supported by Women Earth Alliance.
Participants were drawn from various communities across Kaduna and trained in organic farming methods, composting, natural pest control, and other regenerative techniques aimed at restoring soil health and improving food security.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, Executive Director of WISE, said the initiative was designed to equip women farmers with practical knowledge to adapt to the realities of climate change while also reducing their production costs.
“We are teaching women how to farm in ways that are healthy for the soil, the environment, and their families. Organic farming protects their health, reduces production expenses, and builds resilience against climate shocks and health crises like COVID-19,” she stated.
One of the facilitators, Dr Dorcas Ezekiel, a soil scientist from Federal University Minna, emphasized the importance of organic farming in ensuring food sustainability for future generations. She noted that the use of organic compost and natural pest control methods would enhance soil fertility, reduce environmental harm, and create opportunities for exporting organic produce.
Another facilitator, Elizabeth Yakubu, highlighted that the training also focused on building the women’s confidence and self-reliance.
“We want women to understand that they can take control of their food production using safe, affordable methods. This knowledge empowers them to improve their yields and income while ensuring healthier food for their families,” Yakubu said.
Participants expressed gratitude for the training. Rifkatu Bawa, a farmer, described the workshop as transformational, noting that she had learned to make organic compost from kitchen and farm waste, moving away from costly chemical fertilizers.
Similarly, Jummai Luka shared that the training had changed her perception of farming.
“We were shown how to improve soil fertility using natural methods and how to store crops without chemicals. I plan to start a small demo farm in my village so others can learn too,” she said.
The workshop ended with a brief ceremony where certificates of participation were presented to the women. The organisers encouraged them to form community clusters and step down the training to other women in their communities.
WISE expressed hope that with continued support, women farmers would play a critical role in driving Nigeria’s transition to climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.
