The Women Environmental Programme (WEP), an NGO, has distributed agricultural inputs to 500 farmers in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, one of the areas ravaged by banditry in the state.

The initiative is part of “Northwest Climate-Peace Hubs: A Climate-Security Approach to Conflict Prevention” project, funded by UNDP and the Norwegian Embassy, being implemented in Katsina and Sokoto states.

The beneficiaries were from Faru Maje and Ward B, where 195 farmers benefited, and 305 more farmers from Riko.

Each of the 500 farmers received a bag of NPK fertilizer, 10kg of cereals, 5kg of legumes, and one knapsack sprayer.

Mr Ukange Ichivirbee, the project coordinator, said that the intervention was to enhance access to conflict-sensitive and climate-resilient livelihoods and green jobs.

“The initiative seeks to improve food security and nutrition and alleviate poverty by boosting agricultural productivity and yields,” he added.

According to him, the 500 farmers have received training on climate smart agriculture, including the production of organic fertilizer and pesticides using neem seeds and leaves.

The coordinator said that a demonstration plot will be established for practical learning, in addition to the distribution of improved storage bags during harvest.

They will also receive economic tree seedlings to promote agroforestry and mitigate climate change, Ukange said.

Alhaji Saifullahi Aliyu, the representative of the ward head of Riko, appreciated the NGO and UNDP for the intervention. He however said some miscreants claiming to be working for the Women Environmental Programme had extorted money from farmers in the community.

Saifullahi assured that the community support the project and track the beneficiaries to ensure proper utilization of the inputs.

Two of the beneficiaries, Musa Bello and Zainab Ibrahim, thanked the NGO for its support to them as they struggle to overcome the food secutiy challenges in the area.