Benue Women Farmers Seek Export Market Access

Women farmers in Benue State have called for support to unlock the export potential of their agricultural produce. During a training session on improved cowpea varieties and good agronomic practices in Makurdi, Rebecca Afatyo, a member of the Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), stated that Benue farmers could produce food for both domestic and international markets but require government assistance to expand production and develop the value chain.

She emphasized the importance of producing, processing, and marketing to access global markets. Dr. Teryima Iorlamen, an Agronomist/Seed Specialist at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM), discussed the benefits of the improved Alkam Super cowpea variety, which can enhance productivity and nutritional value.

He also provided advice on reducing post-harvest losses through better harvesting and storage techniques. Veronica Guma, the SWOFON State Coordinator, confirmed that the women had already planted the improved cowpea variety on August 27, expressing optimism about the training's impact on their farm produce.