Introduction
CCSA in collaboration with the Nigerian Women in Agricultural Business Cooperative Society Limited (NIWAB), is committed to empowering young girls (below 18) through climate-smart agriculture training. This initiative will be implemented across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja in partnership with the Nigerian Women in Agricultural Business Cooperative Society (NIWAB) (https://cawab.org.ng/niwab). The program aims to enhance the capacity of young girls (aged 12-18) across 36 states and the FCT to adapt to climate change, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and foster a community of young female leaders in the agricultural sector.
Objectives
- Equip 100 women trainers in each state and FCT to train 5000 young girls in their state with climate-smart agriculture skills, promoting economic empowerment and independence.
- Educate and empower young girls through climate-smart agriculture training, unlocking their potential for a sustainable future.
- Enhance knowledge, skills, and resilience in agriculture among young girls in the 36 states and FCT, improving their livelihoods and adaptability to climate change.
Target Beneficiaries This initiative targets young girls aged 12-18, focusing on those from rural communities, women-led households, and individuals passionate about environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.
Specific Communities The training will be conducted in the following communities:
- Rural and Semi Rural Focus on climate-resilient agriculture practices, agroforestry and permaculture practices for sustainable land management
- Urban Emphasis on urban agriculture and innovative farming methods.
Climate-Resilient Crops for Climate-Challenged Locations
- Drought-tolerant crops: Sorghum, millet, cowpea, and groundnut for dry regions
- Heat-tolerant crops: Maize, rice, and wheat for hot regions
- Flood-tolerant crops: Rice, maize, and vegetables like tomatoes and peppers for flood-prone areas
Verticals for Empowering Girls in Agriculture
- Urban agriculture: Hydroponics, aeroponics, and container gardening for urban areas
- Greenhouse farming: Controlled environments for climate-resilient crop production
- Agroforestry: Integration of trees into farming systems to enhance soil health and biodiversity
Horizontals for Sustainable Agriculture Practices
- Organic farming: Eliminating synthetic fertilisers and pesticides to improve soil health
- Permaculture: Designing farming systems that mimic natural ecosystems to conserve water and reduce pollution
- Climate-smart livestock production: Promoting resilient livestock farming with heat-tolerant cattle and drought-resistant goats
Training Programs Overview The CCSA and NWAB will deliver specialised training programs tailored to the needs of the target communities, ensuring practical knowledge and skills development. This initiative will expand nationwide through collaborations across all 36 states and the FCT, making climate-smart agriculture accessible to young girls and fostering a new generation of female agricultural leaders.
For more information about NIWAB, visit: https://cawab.org.ng/niwab