FIC Report (Imo State) – The Anambra Imo River Basin Development Authority (AIRBDA), in collaboration with the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Niger Basin (PIDACC), have conducted a sensitization programme for farmers’ groups in Owerri North Local Government Area aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening farmers’ resilience to climate change.
While declaring the sensitization programme open, the Managing Director of AIRBDA, Rt. Hon. Anthony Emeka Nduka, described PIDACC as a strategic intervention designed to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and support sustainable livelihoods in participating communities.
Rt. Hon. Nduka, who was represented by the Executive Director, Agricultural Services, Barr. Noble Ojigwe, noted that the initiative was instituted to provide irrigation infrastructure, promote climate-smart farming techniques, and build the capacity of farmers, youth, and women groups.
The Managing Director emphasized that Obibiezena, as a pilot community, stands to benefit from the PIDACC programme through the development and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, access to improved agricultural inputs and technologies, training on modern farming practices, as well as strengthening of farmer associations and cooperatives.
He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to providing technical support, stakeholder engagement, and effective coordination to ensure that the benefits of the PIDACC programme are fully realized within the community, stressing that the success of the programme depends largely on community participation.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Sub-Basin Coordinator, Mr. Justin Okoro, who was represented by Mr. Prince Nwakpuda, highlighted the growing impact of climate change on agriculture, including irregular rainfall, increased flooding, prolonged droughts, soil degradation, and declining crop yields.
He explained that the PIDACC programme was developed to help communities adapt to these challenges through sustainable land and water management, climate-smart agricultural practices, and capacity building for farmers.
Mr. Okoro further noted that the programme will encourage the adoption of improved crop varieties, efficient water management techniques, soil conservation practices, crop diversification, and other sustainable farming approaches aimed at increasing productivity and improving livelihoods.
He also recognized the vital role of women in agriculture and emphasized that empowering them with knowledge and resources would significantly enhance agricultural production, food security, and community development.
Speaking also, Mr. Joseph Ogbu explained that the PIDACC initiative seeks to promote climate-smart agriculture as a practical solution to the changing farming environment. He stated that farmers will receive training on improved farming methods, access to improved seeds and tools, and support for small irrigation systems to enable year-round farming.
Speaking further, he added that the programme also focuses on environmental protection through tree planting, proper land use, and soil conservation to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
In her remarks, the Head of Agriculture Department in Owerri North LGA, Mrs. Ngozi Ibe, encouraged farmers and stakeholders to participate actively in trainings, adopt improved agricultural practices, share knowledge, and work collectively to ensure the success and sustainability of the programme.
Also speaking, Hon. Mrs. Charity Obilor, the Coordinating President of the three cooperative societies, stated that the sensitization programme marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to transform agriculture in Obibiezena community, improve agricultural productivity and income, and secure a better future for farmers. She also prayed for the successful implementation and sustainability of the initiative.
The flag-off ceremony had in attendance Mrs. Eucharia Onwuamegbu from the Federal Ministry of Environment; Ms. Onyinye Nwadike from the Imo State Ministry of Agriculture; the Traditional Ruler of Obibiezena Ancient Kingdom represented by the Traditional Prime Minister, Chief Emmanuel Chukwueke; groups and cooperatives from Owerri North LGA; Management and Staff of AIRBDA as welm as m members of the PIDACC–AIRBDA team.
Chika Anurunwa
PIPRO
16/4/2026
