By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Onyekesi, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment through agriculture, as farm inputs and equipment were distributed to farmers from selected communities across the state.
The distribution took place on Aug. 21 at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, as part of an agricultural empowerment initiative organised by the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, in partnership with TechSave Nigeria and supported by the Chairman of Pinnaech Group, Dr. Christopher Ndubuisi. The programme also featured practical training on cassava production, post-harvest handling, storage and other agricultural practices aimed at improving productivity and reducing losses.
Addressing participants, Mrs. Onyekesi described the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with the ministry’s mandate of empowering women to become economically productive, self-reliant and active contributors to their families and communities.
She noted that agriculture remains an important avenue for promoting women’s economic empowerment and strengthening food security, stressing that access to improved planting materials, agricultural inputs and practical knowledge could significantly enhance farmers’ productivity and livelihoods. The commissioner emphasised that agricultural production does not end with harvesting, noting that proper post-harvest handling, storage and distribution are equally important in reducing losses, preserving the quality of farm produce and improving farmers’ earnings.
Mrs. Onyekesi expressed appreciation to Dr. Ndubuisi for his support and commitment to women’s economic empowerment. She also commended the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, for providing technical expertise and acknowledged TechSave Nigeria and other stakeholders for their partnership.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ndubuisi expressed satisfaction with the turnout of women, describing the initiative as an important step towards promoting agriculture and improving economic opportunities for families and communities. He highlighted the significant role of women in sustaining families and urged participants to view farming as a viable business rather than an occupation exclusively associated with poverty.
According to him, modern agriculture has the potential to create wealth, generate employment, strengthen families and contribute substantially to community development. He cited successful large-scale farmers who have embraced modern and mechanised farming practices as examples of the opportunities available in the sector.
Dr. Ndubuisi further announced plans to organise the participating women and groups into cooperative societies to provide a structured platform for continued engagement and access to future agricultural programmes.
The practical sessions exposed participants to improved cassava production techniques, including the selection of quality planting materials, land preparation, proper planting methods, mixed cropping and other recommended agricultural practices.
The organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would increase agricultural production, strengthen household food security, reduce post-harvest losses and promote sustainable income generation among the beneficiaries. The programme concluded with the distribution of 2,450 bundles of cassava stems, 821 bags of fertiliser, 32 bags of maize, 50 knapsack sprayers, 50 grinding machines, 50 wheelbarrows, 100 shovels and 100 spades to the participating
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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