Empowering Women through Agroecology: The Story of Lagos Women Under SPA II

In Lagos State, a group of young women is carving a path towards sustainable livelihoods through the practice of agroecology. These women, empowered by the Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) project implemented by ActionAid Nigeria and Inspired Youth Network (IYN) are transforming their lives, their families and their communities, one plot of land at a time. 

 A Mother’s Commitment to Sustainable Farming: Eunice Story 

For Eunice, a 32-year-old mother of four and the chairperson of both the Igbe Farmers Association and the Village Savings and Loans Association, a group set up by ActionAid Nigeria as part of the Agroecology training, life before the agroecology training was a daily struggle. Despite already being a farmer, she wasn’t fully aware of the dangers of traditional farming practices and the long-term impacts they could have on the environment and health. 

Growing up in Delta State, Eunice faced the harsh realities of job scarcity, enduring countless failed job hunts. When she eventually moved to Lagos with her husband, she decided to turn to agriculture as a means to support her family while continuing her search for employment. When she finally got a teaching job offer, she rejected it to focus on her little vegetable farm at the time. 

Through the agroecology training organised by ActionAid Nigeria and its Lagos State partner, Inspired Youth Network (IYN), Eunice not only received agroecology training but also found financial empowerment through the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA), which helps farmers build financial support for one another. The training transformed her understanding of farming, equipping her with sustainable practices that have greatly improved her yield, income, and leadership abilities. 

Looking back, Eunice reflects, "Farming was something I did just to survive, but now it’s become a real source of pride and stability for my family. I never imagined I’d be able to lead other farmers and help them grow, but here I am. In this community, I am the go-to person for agroecology education, especially on agroecology practices. The leaders often invite me to support them in composting organic manure." 

She continued, "Before now, I used to spend so much money buying chemical fertilizers for my farm, expecting they would make my produce more productive. However, through the agroecology training, I no longer need to spend on fertilizers. I’ve learned how to create natural alternatives and pesticides using materials that support a healthier environment. Now, people in the community are eating healthier food, and I’ve noticed my children no longer fall ill as often as they used to."  

"Farming isn't just for the illiterate as many people have made us believe. It's a sustainable way to secure livelihoods," Eunice shared. "Thanks to ActionAid, I was introduced to agroecology practices, which have expanded my knowledge of environmentally friendly farming. Through these practices, we're not only improving food production but also contributing to the fight against climate change."  

One of the market women who regularly buy from Eunice shared her experience selling organic vegetables in Igbe, emphasising the preference of her customers. "My customers love organic vegetables because they’re always fresh, green, and last longer, even when not sold right away. Unlike the ones grown with chemical fertilizers, these stay good for much longer. Whenever I buy from a different seller, my customers complain, and I lose money. That’s why I always make sure to buy from Eunice," she explained. 

My passion now is to help other women see that farming can be more than just survival, it can be the key to a healthier and stronger community. 

Olamide’s Journey: Transforming Farming through Agroecology 

Olamide, a 34-year-old mother of four and a member of the Igbe Farmers Association, also shared her experience and the transformative change she has seen in her farming practices thanks to agroecology training. Before this training, her knowledge of farming was limited, and her yields often suffered. "All I knew was to put my cassava stems in the ground, I never knew I could use cow dung and other natural resources around the farm as manure she recalls. Olamide struggled with her crops, unaware that poor growth was due to improper planting techniques. 

The agroecology training opened her eyes to sustainable and effective farming methods. “I didn’t know anything about proper farming practices before,” she explains. "Now, I’ve learned how to plant more effectively, which has made a huge difference in my farm’s productivity." But one lesson stood out—making natural pesticides from neem leaves. 

"Learning how to make my own pesticide from neem leaves has changed a lot for," Olamide says proudly. “I no longer have to buy pesticides, which has saved me a lot of money.” By embracing this natural, cost-effective solution, Olamide not only boosts her farm’s productivity but also ensures her produce is free from harmful chemicals. 

For Olamide, the impact of this knowledge extends far beyond her farm. “For me, having had this training and gained this knowledge, I feel every mother should become aware of this type of farming,” she explains. "It helps us regulate what our children eat, creating a healthier home and reducing the expenses we make as a result of constant hospital visits from consuming food produced with chemical fertilizers." 

  Roseline’s Journey: Transforming Lives through Agroecology 

Roseline, a 33-year-old mother of three, experienced a profound shift in her approach to farming thanks to agroecology training. "Before I came in contact with the training, I had no interest in farming," she reflects. "Last year, I only farmed a small plot behind my house. But the knowledge I gained and my involvement with the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA), where I saw other women saving and receiving financial support, inspired me to expand my farming efforts." 

After the training, Roseline’s dedication to her newfound knowledge has led her to farm in five different locations, a dramatic increase from her previous, limited space. "I used to farm just for our own consumption," she explains. "But now, I also sell what I grow. I’ve even started supporting my husband with the school fees for our children." Her expanded farming now includes cassava, yam, and cocoa, which has allowed her family to say goodbye to constantly buying food from the market. 

Roseline’s passion for agroecology extends beyond her own farm. "I’m actively sharing this knowledge with women in my church," she said. "Many of them have started incorporating these practices into their own farms." Her commitment to spreading the word is driven by her belief in the power of women supporting women. "Having seen the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers on our health and the environment, I make it a point to preach this message every day." 

Looking ahead, Roseline has ambitious goals. "I want to expand my farm to larger plots, increase my sales, and send my children to better schools," she says. However, she also faces challenges. "Since we don’t own land, we often have to rent it. Sometimes, while our crops are still growing, landowners sell the land, and the new buyers don’t always allow us to harvest before they start building. Although this hasn’t happened to me personally, I’ve seen and heard of it affecting many women who farm on a larger scale in our community." 

"It would be a great help if I could receive more financial support from external the government," she added. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of agroecology, not only for her own family but for her entire community.  

The impact of this agroecology training extends beyond just farming knowledge. It has given these women confidence, financial independence, and a sense of purpose. The community has begun to recognise the vital role women play in sustainable agriculture, and the women themselves are becoming vocal advocates for change. 

These women’s stories reflect the SO3 of SPA II’s mission: empowering young people and women, especially those in marginalised communities, to build sustainable livelihoods and resilience. Through agroecology, they are not only transforming their own lives but also contributing to a climate-resilient future for Lagos and beyond.