Rural Women Empowered Through Agro - Skills in Kaduna

Kaduna — Rural women play a critical role in the rural economies of both developed and developing countries. That was why the Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI), organized a one day training programme for women of the Youth, Orphans and Widow Empowerment organization on fish farming, rearing and cultivation in Kaduna on the international day of the rural women.

The programme involved a field trip for five women to Goddy Farm, Narayi in Kaduna, where they were taught extensively on how they can rear fish to generate income which is expected to facilitate their participation in the rural economy of their communities.

Some of the beneficiaries spoke with our correspondent.

Glory Jacob said: "From the field trip I have learnt not to stay idle and that with a little sum of money I can start a fish farm. I have also learnt that starting a fish farm is less expensive than poultry; this can help me immensely in feeding my family and having a source of livelihood."

Patience Yohanna said: "People always complain of lack of jobs in Nigeria, but with fish farming one can be self employed and also employ others. This will also increase the rate of employment in our communities and the nation at large."

Martina Patrick said: "Women in our communities go into crop farming neglecting fish farming because they don't have an idea about it, with my knowledge I can now start up my own fish farm and also teach others."

The International Day for Rural Women recognizes the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.

In most parts of the developing world, they participate in crop production and livestock care, provide food, water and fuel for their families and engage in off-farm activities to diversify their family's livelihoods. In addition, they carry out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and the sick.

The day of the rural women is celebrated to honour women living in rural areas and explores ways on how these women can be empowered and employed so that they can contribute their quota to the development of the society.