By Ahmed Ahmed
Women farmers in Bauchi State are driving a quiet agricultural revolution as they increasingly embrace soybean cultivation, transforming what was once a male-dominated enterprise into a beacon of empowerment and food security.
Ms Helen Chiroma, Head of Women in Agriculture, at Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BSADP) stated this at the Soybean mega field day in Bauchi.
She said Soyabean production is transforming what was once a male-dominated enterprise into a beacon of empowerment and food security.
“Across several local government areas, women’s cooperative groups have adopted improved soybean varieties and modern farming practices, leading to higher yields and better incomes,” he said
Mrs. Sadiya Mohammed, a farmer, said soybean farming has transformed the economic status of many rural women.
“Before now, we relied on groundnut and maize, which gave little profit. But with improved soybean seed provided to us we had a bumper harvest.
“We now earn enough to support our families and send our children to school,” she said
Madam, Hauwa Mohammed, Birshi ward Bauchi said she had been a devoted soybean farmer for more than a decade, tending to a crop that has potential for value-added products, including milk and porridge for her children.
“We are encouraged by CASCADE, and Seed Co through several training and distribution to soybean improve Seed which brings the bumper harvest.
“Soyabean production would improve my livelihood and meet my household needs, let alone the cash income from sales of the surplus crop.
“It has taken a lot of hard work and resilience to navigate through the complexities of soybean production.” she said
Mr John Agboola, head of Marketing of Seed Co said field day is set aside to gather women farmers on farms to celebrate successful harvests, sharing what they learned about cultivation and post-harvest handling.
“They celebrate what was learned four months back by sharing the new knowledge and techniques they’ve learned.
“Showcasing success, Successful harvests are used as a way to inspire other farmers in the community and demonstrate the success of their efforts.
“The development is being supported by Catalyzing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) and implemented by partners such as CARE Nigeria, GAIN, Seed Co and Development Exchange Centre (DEC) in the State,” Agboola said.
Dr Sabo Ahmed, Agricultural Economist, commended the women’s efforts and emphasized the importance of continued support.
“Women are now major contributors to soybean production in Bauchi. Their participation is improving rural incomes and contributing to the state’s food security agenda,” he noted.
The Agric economists say the growing involvement of women in soybean value chains ranging from production to processing will not only enhance household resilience but also strengthen Bauchi’s standing as one of Nigeria’s emerging hubs for legume production.
“With the increasing market demand for soybean and its by-products, experts believe that women farmers in Bauchi have indeed turned the tide ushering in a new era of inclusive agricultural growth and rural transformation,” he said
