Group trains rural women on climate-smart farming
The International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD) has held a Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agroecology Training Workshop for rural women farmers, under the “Grassroots-Driven Climate Action by Rural Women
- By Adeola Ogunlade
The International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD) has held a Climate-Smart Agriculture and Agroecology Training Workshop for rural women farmers, under the “Grassroots-Driven Climate Action by Rural Women Farmers in Nigeria” initiative.
The two-day programme, held at the Lagos Water Corporation, Iju, Lagos, attracted over 100 participants from across the South-West.
At the programme, agricultural experts urged Nigerian farmers to embrace climate-smart practices and sustainable soil management as a strategic response to the growing impact of climate change on food production.
The training centred on improving soil quality using available local materials, promoting organic farming, and enhancing productivity in agriculture.
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Participants were equipped with hands-on knowledge on producing compost and organic pesticides using vegetable waste, neem leaves, garlic, dry grass, and animal dung. They were also introduced to efficient irrigation techniques, including solar-powered pumping systems and drip irrigation.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Omobolaji Gaji, represented by Mrs. Johnson Olusola, noted that Lagos was facing increasing environmental challenges such as flooding, heavy rainfall, rising temperatures, and coastal erosion, all of which threaten agricultural production and food systems.
He explained that flooding destroys homes and infrastructure, washes away crops, contaminates water sources, and erodes topsoil, while coastal erosion—driven by rising sea levels and human activities—continues to endanger livelihoods in coastal communities.
In his presentation, Dr. Olayinwole Onasanya, a member of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria and retired Permanent Secretary in Lagos State, underscored the need for farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices.
According to him, tropical soils are often deficient in organic matter compared to those in temperate regions, making it necessary for farmers to adopt a balanced approach to soil fertility.
Onasanya further highlighted the vital role of women in agriculture, noting that empowering them is key to achieving food security.
Speaking, Consulting Partner at ICEHD, Dr. Ndudi Bowei, said the training was designed to equip women farmers with practical skills to adapt to climate change.
She explained that women are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their close interaction with natural resources and their central role in food production.
“Climate change affects everyone, but women are more impacted because they are custodians of many adaptation practices within communities,” she said.
