LocationsWith the implementation of the Climate Security Project in Nigeria’s Northwest region, particularly in Sokoto and Katsina states, farmers are beginning to experience the benefits of this initiative.
How I Tripled My Harvest and Proved Farming Isn’t Just for Men: Sha'awa's Story
May 2, 2025
Sha’awa Umar, a female farmer from Illela LGA in Sokoto State
Ayodeji-Daniel Adeyemo/UNDP Nigeria
Food security remains a significant challenge for rural communities, impacted by multiple factors. Farmers in these areas face obstacles ranging from climate-related disruptions and soil degradation due to overuse, to limited access to essential resources. Insecurity further exacerbates the situation, restricting farmers’ ability to cultivate their land safely. Additionally, the lack of accurate weather data, changing weather patterns, and limited access to improved seed varieties restricts crop resilience and yield.
With the implementation of the Climate Security Project in Nigeria’s Northwest region, particularly in Sokoto and Katsina states, farmers are beginning to experience the benefits of this initiative. The project has contributed to improved access to seasonal climate information, adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, and the use of improved seed varieties. These efforts have led to better harvests, enhanced soil management, and increased resilience to climate change, thereby strengthening food security and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.
Sha’awa Umar, a female farmer from Illela LGA in Sokoto State, is challenging the traditional belief that only male farmers are the most productive. She participated in a training provided by the Climate Security Project, covering data interpretation, good farming practices, and access to improved seedlings. Since then, Sha’awa has elevated her farming to a new level, showcasing the impact of these resources and skills."
"I have been farming for over 10 years, and I have never experienced such success in just a few months. Previously, I couldn’t harvest more than five bags of millet from my farm. This initiative has been a remarkable intervention here in Illela, everyone who participated has positive results to share,” Sha’awa says.
Sha’awa participated in all the climate security training sessions with an open mind, ready to embrace the new methods being introduced. To her amazement, she and her community experienced a bumper harvest beyond anything she’d expected.
"When we started this journey, I had friends who had already begun working on their farmlands and even planted, but I chose to be patient, willing to wait and see the magic unfold," she explains. "We were told about the major impact climate change has been having on our agricultural output. I asked, 'How do we overcome these climate challenges?' One of the officials replied, 'Through the knowledge you will acquire and access to these climate-smart inputs, you will be the change agent.” Sha’awa narrates.
After training and demonstrations on good practices, Sha’awa received improved seeds for millet, sorghum, and groundnuts. Armed with new knowledge and inputs, she was eager to try them out.
"Once I received the seeds, I rushed to my farm and began planting, following everything I had learned. My husband was skeptical and laughed, saying it would probably yield the same as before. But I held onto hope for a better outcome."
After months of planting and monitoring, the results spoke for themselves. "I couldn’t believe my eyes. I harvested three times more than what my husband and I had gathered last year, and we’re still counting. We were both stunned," Sha’awa shares, smiling with pride.
Another farmer, Nasiru Adamu, shared his appreciation for the significant impact the Climate Security Project has had on his Local Government Area (LGA), urging for similar initiatives to be extended to other LGAs and neighboring states to fully utilize the region’s vast agricultural land.
"This is not a gimmick, I personally benefited from this intervention, and I am amazed at the results we’re achieving,” Nasiru said. “The knowledge and skills we gained are invaluable; the trainers were so thorough that we all understood and applied everything we learned, and the results speak for themselves. I received improved seeds for ground nuts, beans, and sorghum, and I followed the guidance given. After a few months, the harvest was outstanding. My family now has enough food, and we even have surplus to sell.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this intervention, and I hope it can be expanded to support more farmers, both within our LGA and beyond. God bless Findelf and UNDP for this initiative," Nasiru expressed joyfully.
This is just a step toward tackling food insecurity by maximizing the potential of local farmers in the region. Through improved agricultural inputs, climate-smart practices, and access to essential training, these initiatives empower farmers to increase crop yields, enhance resilience to climate challenges, and secure a more stable food supply. By continuing to support and expand these programs, there is hope for a sustainable solution that will uplift communities, reduce hunger, and strengthen regional food security.
Nasiru Adamu
Ayodeji-Daniel Adeyemo/UNDP Nigeria
"This is not a gimmick, I personally benefited from this intervention, and I am amazed at the results we’re achieving,” Nasiru said. “The knowledge and skills we gained are invaluable; the trainers were so thorough that we all understood and applied everything we learned, and the results speak for themselves. I received improved seeds for ground nuts, beans, and sorghum, and I followed the guidance given. After a few months, the harvest was outstanding. My family now has enough food, and we even have surplus to sell.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Norwegian Government for its timely and strategic support to the Northwestern region of Nigeria, particularly in areas severely affected by climate shocks. This partnership is not only addressing immediate challenges but also creating long-term opportunities for local communities. Through targeted interventions and knowledge transfer, residents are being empowered with the skills and tools needed to adapt to climate realities, build resilience, and take charge of their future.
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