Praise Necherem
Women farmers in Anambra state have decried non-availability of farming inputs and other equipment needed for them to produce bountiful harvest.
The farmers, under the aegis of the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON), said they had undergone series of training without corresponding inputs to practicalise what they were taught.
Speaking with newsmen in her farm, the SWOFON coordinator, Nnewi North and South, Igbokwe Monica, a cassava, yam, cocoyam and other crops farmer, said she had resorted to self-help to ensure sustainability in her farming business.
She said, “We’re disappointed with what we’re going through in the hands of government. We’re totally disappointed with their promises. We’ve been exposed to several trainings, yet no farm inputs to practise what we’ve learnt.
“We were invited to Awka for series of training, for good one week. We even slept there and they promised they would give us something after the training, but, up till today, nothing.
“If you like, I’ll show you another text I got for another training. They went with us to Ozubulu to inspect our farms; after that, nothing. The worst of it is that the places we cleared and (which) were inspected had all (been) overgrown with weeds.
“See my poultry, (it is) almost empty. Had it been I was assisted by government, no matter how little, you’ll see the difference. If I tell you I’m progressing in this business, I’ll be lying.
“There’s scarcity of money. You can’t even get loan from anybody or anywhere again. If you want to apply for loan, the protocols you’ll go through alone are frustrating. So, it’s better you stay at home.”
The visibly devastated farmer alleged that the assistance from government were being given to the wrong persons, blaming it on the intermediaries.
She added, “If at all what they said is true, I’m suspecting they gave the money to industrialists and manufacturers, those producing rice in large quantities. They don’t have the farmers in mind.”
Another farmer, Obiageli Onuma, vowed that they were not deterred by the frustration from the authorities and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their farming, expressing hope of a brighter future.
“We’ve been attending seminars, yet we don’t see anything. But we’re not discouraged. Otherwise, you won’t see us here. We know the hope of the nation’s survival is in our hands. We’ll continue to struggle even in the midst of difficulties,” she said.