United Nations empowers Nigerian women farmers
The United Nations (UN) Women in effort to support food security, boost productivity, and improve household incomes have empowered over 200 rural women farmers in Ebonyi State through the distribution of fertilizers, improved rice seedlings, and the launch of a Low-cost Biogas Production Project.
Penpushing report that United Nations (UN) Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), Ms. Beatrice Eyong at the distribution explained that the initiative was to aligning with Nigeria’s economic goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on food security (SDG 2), gender equality (SDG 5), and climate action (SDG 13).
The Country Representative highlighted the importance of these initiatives stating that the world body was excited to continue to support women in the rice value chain as part of a larger programme on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)
‘UN Women is excited to continue to support women in the rice value chain as part of a larger programme on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). This programme directly supports Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present government, aimed at restoring growth, investing in the nation’s people, and building a globally competitive economy through investments in the agricultural sector’, she said
“Since many years ago, we have been farming from hand to mouth, but today our farming is in business”, one of the women farmers said. Another beneficiary added that “… this support will improve the lives of women and girls.”
Penpushing further reports that Eyong added that in addition to supporting agricultural growth, United Nations (UN) Women is also launching a Low-cost Biogas Household Production Project in Ebonyi State, stressing that this innovative project aims to empower rural women by providing a sustainable and clean energy source, reducing reliance on fuelwood and its associated health risks.
‘The event held on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, was also an opportunity to strengthen advocacy and awareness around the biogas technology. In August 2024, 250 beneficiaries were already trained on its use and maintenance. Training for local artisans and agricultural extension workers will continue to ensure the sustainability of the project’, she stated.
‘As part of its ongoing commitment to rural women’s empowerment, UN Women is calling for increased government partnership and funding to expand the biogas project’s reach. “We hope to collaborate with the government to ensure that more rural women benefit from this transformative technology’, Eyong said.
‘UN Women’s efforts reflect a commitment to rural development and women’s empowerment, addressing economic challenges and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both women and their communities’.
Penpushing also reports that United Nations (UN) Women is the United Nations (UN) entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment, dedicated to promoting women’s rights and economic participation across Nigeria and beyond.
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