Writing By Aminu Dalhatu; Editing By Godwin Duru
Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), Zamfara State Chapter, has empowered over 100 women with farming inputs and small-scale business items aimed at boosting productivity and improving their livelihoods.
The State Coordinator of the Association, Hajiya Shema’u Nalado, presented the empowerment items during the 2025 World Food Day celebration held in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
According to her, the distributed items included seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, vegetable oil, soya beans, and beans, among others, to support both farming and small-scale business ventures.
Hajiya Shema’u Nalado called for renewed commitment toward promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering women farmers to achieve food security in Zamfara and across Nigeria.
She noted that World Food Day served as a global reminder of the importance of food security, sustainable agricultural practices, and the urgent need to eradicate hunger.
Quoting global statistics, Hajiya Shema’u said that with about 9.2 percent of the world’s population facing hunger, there is an urgent need to tackle challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity, which continue to threaten food systems globally.
She emphasized that food is not only a basic necessity but also a symbol of culture, community, and love, noting that in Zamfara, agriculture remains the pride and economic backbone of the people, with many engaged in crop production, livestock, and fish farming.
To strengthen food security, the NAWIA Coordinator outlined key strategies, including access to modern farming techniques and technologies, empowerment of women farmers through training and credit facilities, and the reduction of food waste through mindful consumption.
She expressed appreciation to the Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, for her unwavering support to women’s empowerment and agricultural development, as well as to the Commissioners of Commerce and Industry, Agriculture, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Women Affairs for their continued partnership.
In her remarks, the Wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Rukayya Mani Malam Mumini, called on all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure access to nutritious food and promote sustainable agricultural growth across the state.
She emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among farmers, families, and leaders in making healthy food accessible to all.
Hajiya Huriyya commended women farmers for their resilience, describing them as the strength of the state and the foundation of the nation’s food security.
The event also featured an exhibition of various farm produce by women farmers from across the state, showcasing the diversity and productivity of Zamfara’s agricultural sector.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
