No fewer than 45 smallholder women farmers in Umuosoko Awomukwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, have received training and support to boost agricultural productivity ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka during the training session at the event recently.
The initiative, led by Soil Scientist, Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, was organised by the Hope for Farmers Women and Girls Initiative in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Youth and Child Development, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.
The programme focused on equipping rural women with practical, low-cost techniques to improve soil fertility and crop yields, particularly amid rising costs of chemical fertilisers.
Speaking at the event, Prof Onwuka reaffirmed her commitment to empowering rural women farmers through sustainable agricultural practices, expressing optimism that continuous training would enable farmers across the South-East to become self-reliant in producing organic fertilisers using locally available materials.
She noted that the programme aligns with the United Nations designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the critical role women play in food production and security.
Participants received hands-on training on converting agricultural waste into compost and biochar—organic soil enhancers capable of restoring soil health and boosting productivity. They were also introduced to simple and efficient composting methods to accelerate decomposition for quicker use. Meanwhile, Mr Chibueze Onyejuruwa, Mr Friday Agu, Mrs Oluomachi Chukwuemeka Ebogu, and Mrs Esther Oko were among the trainers who facilitated sessions at the event, contributing their expertise to enrich participants and enhance the overall impact of the programme.
The programme also featured the distribution of food items, alongside biochar and seeds of amaranthus and cowpea to each participant. According to the organisers, these were selected to improve nutrition, enhance income generation, and support soil fertility through natural nitrogen fixation while providing fast-growing, nutrient-rich produce.
In her vote of thanks, a beneficiary, Mrs Abosede Jacob, described the initiative as timely and impactful, expressing appreciation to the organisers and pledging that participants would fully adopt the techniques learned. She assured that the benefits of the training would be evident during future monitoring and evaluation.
