Food security: Over 100 women trained on fish, snail farming in Akwa Ibom

No fewer than 100 rural female farmers in Akwa Ibom State are beneficiaries of the comprehensive empowerment and capacity building programme sponsored by the member representing Eket/ONNA/Esit-Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.

The programme according to the sponsor, is targeting at empowering rural women in his constituency with necessary farming skills and aims at enhancing food production and security in the state.

He mentioned that the ongoing phase was the third in the series of the empowerment programme and is done in collaboration with the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency and is focusing on practical training in fish and snail farming.

Flagging off the training at the constituency office, RCC Road, Eket, Hon. Etteh stated that the training is expected to equip beneficiaries with essential skills in sustainable farming practices, empowering them to contribute significantly to food security while providing avenues for economic empowerment.

Represented by a former Ibeno Chapter Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Ekoakwaha Etteh, the federal lawmaker said “The empowerment training on fish and snail farming was chosen for the low entry barriers and high nutritional value of fish and snails.

“And much more, it was chosen because it aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s A.R.I.S.E Agenda in boosting local agricultural productivity and fostering self-reliance among women in rural communities.” he noted

While emphasizing the importance of supporting women in agriculture to promote food security and economic independence, Hon. Etteh said that empowering women means empowering generations.

Addressing the participants, the representative of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, Mrs. Effa Adebola, said the training covers technical aspects of fish and snail farming, such as breeding, feeding, pest control, and harvesting.

She added that “participants will also receive guidance on the medicinal and nutritional benefits of these practices, which is in line with the Agency’s expertise in natural food sources for health.”

In his remarks, the Liaison Officer for Eket/ONNA/Esit-Eket/IbenoFederal Constituency, Engr. Samuel Ukwat, said as the phase-three training progresses, Hon. Etteh remains dedicated to ensuring that the empowerment journey for these women extends beyond training and translates into long-term economic benefits.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, a Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade, Obonganwan Grace Oduok, commended the federal lawmaker for the inclusion of women in his empowerment scheme and expressed optimism that the training will have positive impact on household income and local food supply.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Edoho, who spoke to our Correspondent, expressed appreciation to the lawmakers for the opportunity given the women to learn more skills on their hitherto blind businesses, saying henceforth, healthier and more nutricious fish and snails will be produced in their farms for consumers.

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE