Cassava production gaining attention among women in Kano
At a moment when cassava production is seen and believed to be something not for the core North, women in Kano State have taken up the challenge to venture into the production of cassava under systematic and modern processes to ensure an effective food security. With assistance and guidance from the Nigerian Cassava farmers Growers […]
freshly peeled cassava
At a moment when cassava production is seen and believed to be something not for the core North, women in Kano State have taken up the challenge to venture into the production of cassava under systematic and modern processes to ensure an effective food security.
With assistance and guidance from the Nigerian Cassava farmers Growers Association, Kano State chapter, a lot of women received training and guidance to effectively get involved in cassava production in the state. Findings have revealed that many women are currently being involved in the production of cassava in Kano.
Malama Jamila Bello, a cassava farmer who was encouraged and introduced to production, said the involvement of women in Kano State had increased the level of cassava being produced, adding that a huge gap in the produce needed by Kano State had been filled up by the move.
“It will interest you to note that most of the cassava being consumed in Kano, especially the dried ones, is being cultivated in the state and mostly by women. It is a process that requires patience; and it is less demanding. We have received the training and the needed encouragement to do the production as a business. Let me confess to you that many of us have been smiling to the bank lately,” she said.
Another female cassava farmer, Hasiya Amadu, said the training they received in cultivating and preservation of cassava had helped them to proceed with the cultivation every year, adding that Kano State is now producing garri.
She described the development as something worth commending and emulating.
“With the improved cassava production in Kano that involves women, there has been a remarkable achievement recorded. I am glad to reveal to you that in Kano, women are now using cassava cultivated in the state to produce ‘garri’. In Gezawa Local Government Area, we have established a garri production hub. This is indeed a new development we will always want to improve upon,” she said.
However, the chairperson of the Nigerian Cassava Farmers Association, Kano chapter, Hajiya Halima Zubairu Danbatta, revealed that in a bid to achieve food security in Nigeria, the association had emphasized on the importance of women’s involvement in cassava production.
During a visit to the local cassava seedlings banks in Gwarzo Local Government, the chairperson highlighted the potential of cassava production to generate income and create job opportunities for the teeming youth and women.
“We have discovered that cassava production can be a game-changer for our economy and our youths. If our youths and women can be fully engaged in cassava production, it would not only boost our economy but also take them out of intimidation and poverty,” she said.
The chairperson emphasized the importance of empowering women in cassava production, noting that they play a crucial role in food security.
“Women are the backbone of our society and their involvement in cassava production is essential for our food security. We need to encourage more women to get involved in cassava production and provide them with the necessary support and resources,” she added.