By Ladi Jossy, Maiduguri�

A coalition of women farmers in Borno State has called on the government to invest in climate and agroecology-friendly initiatives that support rural communities, facilitating the movement of farm produce and enhancing the value chain within the state.

Blessing Ifemenan, Program Advisor, ActionAid Nigeria, made this appeal during an event titled “Strengthening the Network of Actors for the Promotion of Agroecology,” organized by the Centre for Advocacy, Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI) with support from ActionAid over the weekend.

She explained that the initiative aims to raise awareness about building a coordinated movement for sustainable farming, improving access to markets for agroecological products, and advocating for supportive government policies.

Blessing stated, “The purpose of this initiative to strengthen the network of actors for the promotion of agroecology is to train women farmers on climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture practices, especially as climate change increasingly impacts the sector.”

She further added, “We are encouraging a shift away from harmful farming practices towards organic farming, organic pesticides, and smart agriculture that protect the environment.”

The group observed that limited exposure to sustainable farming practices, including soil management and water-efficient techniques, has made smallholder women more vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and recurrent flooding.

Aishatu Isa, speaking on behalf of the group, noted that climate challenges are becoming more evident in communities like Bama, Konduga, and Gwoza, where crop yields are decreasing.

“Our biggest challenge is the lack of basic agro-ecological knowledge necessary for adaptation,” she said. “Many women still rely on traditional farming methods that are no longer effective. We need training on soil health, improved seeds, composting, and simple irrigation techniques.”

Sa’adatu Sani, another farmer, expressed concern over the absence of early-warning systems and advisory services that could help guide planting decisions and reduce crop failure.

“We want government and partners to engage more directly with communities,” she said. “Climate change is accelerating, but support for women farmers remains insufficient.”

She praised CATAI and ActionAid for organizing the training, describing it as timely, and urged government agencies and organizations to create favorable conditions for women farmers, who are vital to household food security.

Ibrahim Abdulkadir, Project Lead for the Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA2), explained that the engagement aims to bolster the network of agroecology advocates in the region.

“This platform provides learning opportunities, and we focus on solutions that are environmentally sustainable, economically feasible, and socially just,” he said.

He emphasized that increasing women farmers’ knowledge of agroecology would enable them to produce more diverse, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods, decreasing reliance on external markets and fostering more resilient local food systems.

Abdulkadir called for expanded extension services in rural areas, highlighting that empowering women with practical, climate-responsive skills is essential for improving food production and resilience, especially in a region affected by insurgency and climate shocks.

He urged government bodies, development partners, and research institutions to prioritize community-based training that equips women with critical skills to sustain farming and ensure household food security.