The Director, Centre for Gender, Youth and Child Development (CGYCD) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, has launched the 2025 Rural Women Farmers Empowerment Initiative in Umudike, Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State.
During the recent event, Prof. Onwuka, a Professor of Soil Science, emphasized that empowering rural women aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending hunger, reducing inequality, and promoting economic growth.
She underscored the importance of equipping rural farmers with up-to-date knowledge and innovations in agriculture to boost productivity and ensure food security.
The founder, Hope for Farmers, Women and Girls Initiatives (HOFWGI), also decried challenges such as poor land tenure systems, and unhealthy farming practices such as; indiscriminate bush burning as factors militating against food Security in Nigeria, urging for attitudinal change.
She advised farmers to avoid contaminated land and adopt healthier methods like organic farming to combat rising health risks, including cancer.
She demonstrated how to produce biochar organic fertilizer using pyrolysis drums and encouraged every woman to establish a home garden to reduce hunger and improve household income.
One of the beneficiaries at the event
Miss Joy Mankwe, a graduate of MOUAU, also demonstrated how to make reusable sanitary pads from banana fibres, urging young women to be resourceful and hygienic.
She stressed the importance of sterilization and explained how to adapt the pads for heavier menstrual flows.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Nwadinobi Adanma, speaking on behalf of the Umudike and Umudike Ukwu communities, expressed gratitude to Prof. Onwuka and her team for their selfless contributions, pledging to put the resources to effective use.
The outreach featured the free distribution of pyrolysis drums, biochar organic fertilizers, food items, and organic sanitary pads to participants.
