Grantee Name: VISIONARY WOMEN IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA (VIWADA)

Location: Benue

Project Summary: This project focuses on three key pillars: capacity building, digital inclusion, and resilience enhancement. It will begin with targeted training of 230 small-scale women farmers, 10 from each of the 23 LGAs in Benue State, in climate-smart and sustainable cash crop production, focusing on crops such as rice, groundnuts, and other tree crops. These trainings are tailored to women’s specific needs and delivered through practical demonstrations and mentorship from experienced female agripreneurs and agricultural extension experts. The project also promotes digital inclusion by integrating cyber-extension tools and digital technologies to provide timely and relevant agricultural, climate, and market information via mobile-based advisory services, SMS alerts, community radio, WhatsApp groups, and partnerships with digital agriculture platforms.
This approach addresses the insecurity and shortage of agricultural extension agents in Benue State, ensuring that farmers, especially small-scale women farmers, receive real-time, research-based guidance. To support effective use of these tools, digital literacy training and access to mobile devices will also be provided. In addition, the project will strengthen resilience by linking women farmers to microfinance institutions, cooperatives, input suppliers, and relevant government and non-government agencies to boost their productivity and market participation. Engagements with traditional and community leaders will advocate for women’s land rights and promote more inclusive land tenure practices. All activities will be adapted for conflict-affected and insecure contexts, ensuring a safety-conscious approach that leverages trusted local networks. Through these coordinated efforts, the project will enhance food security, increase women’s incomes, and promote inclusive agricultural development aligned with Nigeria’s gender and rural transformation strategies.