Chinedum Elekwachi
All Nations Arise and Manifest (ANAM) Initiative said it would train over forty farmers on Solar Processing and Storage for flood resilient farming in Oroma-etiti Anam in Anambra West local government area of the state.
Executive Director, Engr Tessy Aniesi disclosed this at the flag off-pilot edition of the Farmers Resilience and Data Empowerment Programme (FARDEP) project in the area.
She said adverse effects of flooding on farmers and the entire communities necessitated the initiative while selection of beneficiaries was purely on merit.
Declaring the programme open, Aniesi said the aim was to assist flood-affected farmers recover, adapt and become more resilient through practical support, skills and community-based solutions.
She listed areas of coverage to include solar drying and storage; improved seedlings for higher yields, empowerment to process and store harvest faster as well as support for stronger, flood resilient farming systems.
She said, “We are here today because flooding has become a painful reality for our communities. Each year, our farmers work hard, only to watch their crops destroyed by floodwaters.
Impact on food, income
“This does not just affect food—it affects income, dignity, and the future of our families.
“FARDEP was designed as a practical response, not sympathy.
We are not here to make promises we cannot keep. but to start work that can grow with commitment and partnership.
“Today’s engagement is about learning more from the real farmers and sharing experiences.
We shall be setting up a system where farmers are better prepared, losses are reduced, and food does not go to waste.
“We believe that when farmers are supported, the entire community becomes stronger.”
The ED appreciated traditional leaders, Presidents General, FARDEP communities and partners for their support.
He said their presence further proved that community development was possible when stakeholders worked together.
National Chairman, Anam People’s Assembly, Chief Alex Okonkwo described the programme as laudable and welcome development.
He thanked the group for choosing his community as pilot scheme, expressing optimism that the goal would be realized.
Wonderful program
“It’s a wonderful program. Every farmer in the area always face flood challenge which results to loss of millions of produce.
“This is not political. The way farmers’ data are being collated and keyed into the system is enough proof of its genuineness.
“With this project, there’s is hope for my community as far as food security is concerned,” he added.
Some of the beneficiaries, Nnamdi Onyekachukwu and Ekwueli Fidelia bore their minds on the intervention.
They pledged to take advantage of the training to improve their production capacity.
Highlight of the program included distribution of free organic chemicals to boost production and bumper harvest to some farmers.
