IWD: Edo Government Empowers Young Girls with Agricultural Skills

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), the Edo State Government has launched an initiative aimed at equipping young girls with agricultural skills to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment. The program, which focuses on modern farming techniques and agribusiness, is part of the state’s broader strategy to encourage youth participation in agriculture and reduce unemployment.

Training and Skill Development

The initiative provides hands-on training in various agricultural sectors, including crop production, animal husbandry, and agro-processing. Participants are exposed to innovative farming methods, sustainable agriculture practices, and the use of technology to enhance productivity. Experts from the agricultural sector have been engaged to mentor the young girls, ensuring they acquire practical skills that can be translated into profitable ventures.

Government officials emphasized that agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and that empowering young girls with farming skills will not only enhance food security but also create new opportunities for income generation. By providing access to knowledge, land, and funding support, the program aims to make agriculture an attractive career choice for young women in Edo State.

Support for Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship

Beyond technical training, the program also focuses on agribusiness development, teaching participants how to turn their farming skills into sustainable enterprises. Training sessions include lessons on financial management, market access, and value chain opportunities. The government is collaborating with agricultural organizations and private investors to provide start-up support, including grants and low-interest loans for participants who wish to establish their own agribusinesses.

Officials highlighted the need to break gender stereotypes in agriculture, encouraging young girls to see farming as a viable and rewarding profession. By equipping them with the necessary resources and mentorship, the government hopes to foster a new generation of female agripreneurs who will contribute to the state’s economic transformation.

Encouraging More Female Participation in Agriculture

The initiative aligns with the broader goals of International Women’s Day, which advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Edo State’s commitment to training young girls in agriculture reflects a strategic move to address unemployment, reduce poverty, and increase women’s participation in a sector traditionally dominated by men.

Government officials have called on stakeholders, including parents, educators, and private organizations, to support the initiative by encouraging young girls to explore careers in agriculture. They also emphasized that expanding women’s roles in agribusiness would lead to greater food security and economic stability in the long run.

The Edo State Government has assured that the program will be sustained beyond International Women’s Day, with plans to expand its reach and include more participants in future training cycles. The initiative is expected to create long-term benefits by fostering innovation, improving livelihoods, and positioning young women as key contributors to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.