FG empowers Rivers women farmers

The Federal Government has launched ‘Project Earn From the Soil’, an agricultural initiative aimed at empowering women farmers and enhancing food security in South-South Nigeria. Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, Gift Johnbull, introduced the project in Rivers State. The initiative focuses on cooperative farming and commodity-based clustering to boost productivity, targeting over 500,000 smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and agribusinesses in the region, including Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Edo states. It emphasizes economic empowerment for women in agriculture, aiming to lift them out of poverty and improve food production. Supporting organizations include Nexim Bank, the Bank of Agriculture, Zenith Bank, the Rural Electrification Agency, and UN Women. The initiative prioritizes sustainability and long-term growth, with oversight from the President to ensure direct benefits to women farmers, addressing key agricultural challenges.
Source: Punch

Our Review
The launch of ‘Project Earn From the Soil’ is a significant step in enhancing the agri-food value chain in South-South Nigeria. By focusing on cooperative farming and commodity-based clustering, this initiative empowers over 500,000 smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and agribusinesses, particularly women, enhancing their economic resilience and productivity. This project addresses critical bottlenecks such as access to financing, infrastructure, and market linkages, thereby fostering a more robust agricultural ecosystem.
Empowering women farmers is crucial for inclusive growth, as women play a pivotal role in agriculture but often face systemic barriers. This initiative not only aims to reduce poverty among women farmers but also enhances food security, which is essential for national development. The involvement of key stakeholders like Nexim Bank and UN Women underscores a strong commitment to sustainability and long-term impact, aligning with broader goals of food security and economic empowerment. For decision-makers, this project offers a scalable model that integrates financial support, technological advancements, and policy oversight, driving meaningful growth across the value chain.