The Family Life and Community Health Society (FLACHS) has launched a N5 million agricultural empowerment project to support 100 women farmers in Lokotiye community, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.
The group said they will support them with hybrid cowpea seedlings and climate-resilient farming support.
This was disclosed during the official distribution of Sampea11 hybrid cowpea variety at a community event held in Lokotiye, under the NGO Support Initiative (NSI) of the Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC).
According to Project Director, Mrs. Ene Theresa Ochegbudu, the project Empowering Women Farmers in Nasarawa through Climate-Resilient Seed Access and Sustainable Agriculture is designed to promote food security, enhance household income, and empower women economically.
“The project is designed to empower women who are often marginalized when it comes to agricultural inputs. It is intended to improve crop yield, enhance food security, promote economic stability, and support community development,” Ochegbudu stated.
She explained that the initiative is being implemented in two phases within three months, beginning in July, and targets women because they represent about 70% of household farmers in Nasarawa State.
“At the end of the day, we hope to see women able to fully cultivate, have good yields, feed their families, send their children to school, and access good markets to improve their economic lives. We are not just giving seedlings; we are mentoring them for sustainable impact,” she added.
Each beneficiary would receive agricultural input worth over ₦20,000 sufficient for one and a half plots of farmland with the potential to yield up to 375 kilograms of cowpea per planting season.
The seeds, known for their drought tolerance and resistance to Striga weed, were developed by agricultural research institutes for tough climate conditions.
Speaking at the event, the Representative of the Executive Director of FLACHS, Engr. Elijah O. Ahman, said the intervention comes at a crucial time for local farmers facing climate-related challenges and limited access to modern inputs.
“Our goal is to help women increase their yields, improve household food security, and strengthen their income and resilience. This is not just about distributing seeds it is about sowing hope, building stronger communities, and promoting equality in agriculture,” Ahman said.
He lamented that women, despite their central role in agriculture, face persistent barriers such as outdated farming practices, low access to improved seeds, and the worsening impact of climate change.
“Through the support of the dRPC’s NGO Support Initiative, we are taking a bold step to change this. Our project will support 100 female small-scale farmers, including widows, with hybrid seeds, training on climate-smart practices, and guidance to form cooperative groups,” he added.
Ahman also praised the cooperation of the Dakachi and royal council of Lokotiye, noting their support in facilitating the initiative’s implementation.
Deputy Director of Agriculture in Karu LGA, Mr. Joe Dikko, commended FLACHS and dRPC for their commitment to inclusive agricultural development. He also provided technical tips in the local dialect to ensure proper seed use and soil preparation.
Representing the Dakachi of Lokotiye, Chief Kefas Ibrahim, son of Chief Ibrahim Shekwagu, described the intervention as “an unprecedented gesture” that will uplift local farmers.
“This will enable farmers who lack resources to expand their productivity. For the first time, we feel seen and remembered,” he said.
Other community figures, including Mr. Godwin Ukadike, Mr. Gbenga Iwalami, and Elder Akinyemi Baike, also expressed appreciation to FLACHS and dRPC for investing in women-led agriculture and building local resilience.