Climate Change Response: Plateau Government Empowers 120 Rural Women with Smart Agriculture Training.
By Lawrence Zongo
Jos—As climate change continues to affect global agricultural systems, the government of Plateau State, Nigeria, is taking proactive steps to empower rural communities to adapt. In a bold effort to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote sustainable food production, the state government recently launched a Smart Agriculture training program for 120 rural women farmers.
The training, which took place in the conflict-prone community of Miango in Bassa Local Government Area, was organized under the leadership of Mr. Nuhu Yakubu, Special Adviser to the Governor of Sustainable Technology and Carbon Credit Management. The event marks a significant step toward equipping vulnerable populations, especially women, with the knowledge and tools needed to combat environmental degradation and enhance food security.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, May 7th, at Miango Rest Home (MRH), Mr. Yakubu emphasized the urgent need for adaptive measures to tackle the ever-changing climate and its impact on agriculture. He described the training as a grassroots initiative aimed at building resilience among women, who constitute the backbone of rural farming in Nigeria.
“My role is to provide advice to the governor on sustainable technology and carbon credit. Without accurate data from those on the frontlines—our farmers—we cannot develop meaningful policies,” Yakubu said. “This workshop is an opportunity to interact directly with grassroots women and understand the realities they face. It is also a platform to teach them climate-smart techniques that align with today’s environmental challenges.”
He explained that the increase in global temperatures has already affected crop cycles and yields in the region. Crops that once thrived in cooler climates are now struggling to survive, leading to increased use of harmful pesticides and lower agricultural productivity.
“Over the years, we’ve been talking about climate change, but today it is real and tangible,” he continued. “Our farmers are struggling with hotter temperatures and erratic rainfall. If we do not equip them with adaptive skills, the consequences for food security will be severe.”
Smart Agriculture refers to an approach that uses environmentally sustainable methods to improve productivity and resilience in farming systems. These methods include water conservation, organic composting, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and the use of drought-resistant crop varieties.
During the week-long training, women were taught practical techniques that would help them transition from traditional farming practices to climate-resilient systems. Participants learned how to adjust planting schedules, manage soil health, and incorporate agroforestry to reduce their carbon footprint.
The training also included sessions on how to collect and share agricultural data, which will be used by the state government to develop data-driven policies for climate mitigation and food security planning.
At the end of the training, participants will receive financial support ranging from N50,000 to N200,000 (approximately \$30 to \ USD 130), which will enable them to implement what they’ve learned and invest in tools and inputs for sustainable farming.
Mr. Yakubu stated that this training is only the beginning. “Our goal is to extend this initiative across all 17 local government areas of Plateau State,” he said. “We are focusing on women not only because they are primary food producers in rural areas but because empowering women means empowering entire communities.”
He stressed that community-driven solutions are essential to building climate resilience in vulnerable regions like Plateau State, which has faced years of insecurity due to conflict between farmers and herders, exacerbated by land scarcity and climate stress.
Also speaking at the event was Sarah Reng Ochekpe, former Minister of Water Resources and a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment in Nigeria. She urged the participants to maximize the opportunity to better their lives and communities.
“This is more than just a training,” Ochekpe said. “It is an opportunity for you to become change agents. Climate change is a reality that affects all of us, but you, as women, have the power to lead your communities in the right direction.”
Encouraged participants to plant trees around their homes and farms, conserve water, and adopt eco-friendly practices that would protect the environment for future generations.
“Every tree you plant and every sustainable decision you make contributes to a better world,” she added. “Your role is critical, and I’m proud that Plateau State is investing in you.”
The initiative reflects a growing recognition in Nigeria and across Africa that climate change is not a distant threat, but a present danger that requires immediate and inclusive action. With women disproportionately affected by poverty, food insecurity, and climate change, targeted interventions like this are essential to achieving equitable and sustainable development.
International observers have commended the program as a model of community-based climate adaptation that could be replicated across other parts of the continent.
As the world continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of global warming, efforts like the one in Miango underscore the importance of local solutions to a global crisis. Empowering rural women with the tools and knowledge for climate-smart agriculture may be one of the most effective strategies to safeguard the environment, ensure food security, and promote peace in fragile regions.
“The future of agriculture in Nigeria lies in our ability to adapt,” Yakubu concluded. “And adaptation begins with education, inclusion, and action at the grassroots.”
