AGRICULTURE

In 2019, JDPC, in partnership with the primary organization (CRS) and with funding from USAID, implemented an agricultural intervention program in the Magumeri and Kaga Local Government Areas. This initiative specifically aimed to benefit 2,500 farming households. The selection criteria for these households included factors such as land access, prior farming experience, a commitment not to relocate during the project, and the capability to actively engage in the program, including receiving training in Best Agronomic Practices (BAP). The project participants were provided with improved seed varieties, a variety of farming tools, PICS bags, and received technical training on the best agronomic practices.

SUCCESS STORY

Aisha Zarami, a 64-year-old widow hailing from Borgozo village in the Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, has faced significant hardship. Aisha and her late husband were previously engaged in modest trading and successful farming, with a remarkable harvest of approximately 10 bags of groundnut, 5 bags of maize, and 8-10 bags of cowpea during each planting season, generating around NGN638,000 ($1,680) annually. Tragically, Borgozo fell victim to an insurgent attack four years ago, resulting in her husband’s death and the destruction of their cultivated lands. Aisha described her husband as the family’s primary provider prior to the village’s assault.

In the aftermath of the attack, Aisha and her family were relocated to the Bulabulin Internal Displaced Persons camp in Beneshiek. Struggling with the absence of farmland and adequate sustenance, she could only manage to feed her children once a day, often neglecting the adults, who faced hunger. Approximately five months later, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) enlisted Aisha’s family to receive aid through the USAID/FFP-funded emergency food assistance project. Aisha received an electronic voucher that was supplemented with funds every month, enabling her family to purchase food supplies and farming necessities to restart their agricultural endeavors.

Aisha also underwent training in best agricultural practices, which covered various aspects from preparing the land to handling crops post-harvest. She accessed a 120 x 60 meters farmland through a friend in her host community, where she cultivated groundnut, cowpea, sorghum, and millet. Within the camp, she also grew pepper, Amaranthus, sorrel, and onion. Aisha applied the compost-making techniques she learned during her agricultural training, resulting in a productive harvest. Although it may not be sufficient for selling, Aisha is relieved that both she and her children will have enough food to sustain them for the next 3-4 months. Her children no longer need to beg for food in the neighborhood, as they can now select from the variety of food items available in the store. Aisha is optimistic about the prospect of continued agricultural support from CRS, which will allow her to maintain her farming activities and reduce her family’s reliance on external assistance.