Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI) has trained 16 women in Kano State on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) to enhance their economic growth and strengthen household food security amid climate challenges. The two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) was held under Phase II of the Women Against Violence Empowered through Sustainability (WAVES) Project, supported by the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organisations (FEF-CSOs).
Mr. Nathan Bako, WAVES Project Lead, explained that the initiative equips women with practical CSA skills, including bed and sack cultivation of cucumber and okra, as well as facilitation techniques to scale up knowledge within their communities. The trained women will conduct “step-down” trainings, each reaching at least 20 other women, potentially impacting 200 women across Kano State.
Hajiya Ruqayya Abdulhadi, Programme Associate of BCAI, noted that participants were drawn from eight clusters across the state and selected from an earlier foundational training. The training aims to promote sustainable agriculture while reducing gender-based violence in the communities.
Facilitator Hajiya Fatima Muftau guided participants on soil and nutrient management, water management, crop management, and monitoring and evaluation. Speaking for the participants, Hajiya Zainab Magaji-Suleiman of Tarauni LGA praised the program, saying she now understands CSA techniques and plans to expand her okra, cucumber, and red bell pepper cultivation to improve her family’s livelihood and business.