FIC Report (Anambra State) – The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) and the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON), Anambra State Chapter, have appealed to the Anambra State Government to scale up investment in agriculture and enhance support systems for smallholder farmers across the state.
The call was made during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Chukwukadibia Okoye, at his office in Awka.
Receiving the delegation, Mr. Okoye reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnerships that advance agricultural development, women’s empowerment, food security, and sustainable economic growth.
He emphasized that strategic collaboration between government and civil society organizations is essential to achieving measurable progress in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and security. “The government acknowledges the vital role organizations like SIDEC and SWOFON play in fostering grassroots development and improving livelihoods, particularly among rural women farmers,” he stated.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of SIDEC, Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike, said the organizations have consistently promoted inclusive development, climate resilience, accountable governance, and sustainable agricultural practices through advocacy, public sensitization, and community mobilization across Anambra State.
She disclosed that under the Climate Change and You Project, the groups conducted awareness campaigns in flood-prone communities to educate farmers on climate adaptation strategies, flood-resistant crop varieties, and climate-smart agricultural practices aimed at reducing the impact of climate-related disasters.
Mrs. Ehiahuruike further stated that SIDEC and SWOFON have provided women farmers with farming implements and agricultural machinery to enhance productivity and strengthen rural food systems. On democratic governance, she noted that the organizations’ Project Impact initiative focused on promoting civic participation and combating voter apathy through media advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots sensitization.
She added that the intervention contributed to increased voter turnout during the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State. The visit, she said, formed part of the organizations’ ongoing advocacy to encourage policies and budgetary allocations that prioritize agriculture, climate resilience, and women-focused rural development initiatives in the state.
Ikeji Emeka
Senior information and public Relations officer
FIRC,Awka
31/5/2026
