A non-governmental organisation, Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment, has trained 30 women farmers in regenerative agriculture to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance community resilience against climate change and pandemics,

Regenerative agriculture is a farming practice that prioritises soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

It also enhances farm resilience to climate change, promotes sustainable food production and ecosystem restoration.

The three-day workshop themed; “Regenerative Agriculture Accelerator,” spearheaded by WISE, was organised under the Integrated COVID and Climate Resilience Nigeria Programme, supported by Women Earth Alliance.

The trainees were drawn from different communities across Kaduna, equipping them with practical knowledge on organic farming methods, composting, natural pest control, and regenerative agricultural techniques.

At the closing of the training on Friday in Kaduna, the founder and Executive Director of WISE, Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, said the initiative was designed to help women farmers adapt to the realities of climate change while also improving food security in their communities.

She said, “We are teaching women how to farm in a way that is healthy for the soil, the environment, and their families. Organic farming not only protects their health but also reduces the cost of production and increases resilience against both climate shocks and public health crises such as COVID-19.’’

Ms Olugboji-Daramola said the goal was not only to train the women, but to empower them as climate leaders in their localities.

One of the facilitators and soil scientist from Federal University Minna, Niger State, Dr Dorcas Ezekiel, said the women farmers understood the benefits of using organic matter for healthy food production and soil sustainability.

Ms Ezekiel said that if adopted, it would ensure food sustainability for future generations and mitigate climate change effects.

She said the women, who learned soil testing before farming, nurturing it like their babies, would promote regenerative agriculture to enhance biodiversity and reduce climate change impacts, with potential for exporting organic produce.

Ms Ezekiel appreciated WISE’s efforts for empowering women to contribute to climate resilience through sustainable agricultural practices, praising their work in environmental cleanup and education.

Another facilitator, Elizabeth Yakubu, explained that the training went beyond teaching techniques, but building confidence and self-reliance.

She said, “We want women to know that they can take control of their food production using safe and affordable methods. This training empowers them to make organic compost, prepare natural pesticides, and manage their farms with minimal external input.’’

Ms Yakubu noted that with the skills, the women would not only improve their yields but also their income and the health of their families.

A participant, Rifkatu Bawa, expressed excitement, stating that for many of them, the workshop was not just eye-opening also but transformational.

Ms Bawa stated, “This is the first time I am learning how to make organic compost from kitchen and farm waste. I used to rely heavily on chemical fertilisers, which are expensive and sometimes harmful. I am going back home to teach other women what I have learnt.’’

Another farmer, Jummai Luka, said the training changed her perception about farming altogether.

“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 that others can learn too,” she said.

A small-scale farmer, Asiobi Hassan, emphasised the health benefits of organic food.

She said, “Now I understand that what we eat affects our health. I have learned how to grow vegetables without harmful chemicals, and I will make sure my children eat healthier from now on.’’

The highpoint was the presentation of certificates of participation to the women in a brief ceremony marking the successful completion of the three-day training.

The organisers noted that the certificates were not just a recognition of learning but also a symbol of the women’s new roles as change agents in their communities.

The workshop was concluded with a pledge from the participants to form community clusters and step down the training to other women in their communities, to ensure that its ripple effect tickled to hundreds of farmers across the state.

Organisers of the event also expressed the 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.

(NAN)