By Emmanuel Antswen
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Women Environmental Programme (WEP), says it would empower 100 persons in Benue in aquaponic farming and smart mini ranches.
Head of Programmes at WEP, Ms Damaris Uja, made the disclosure on Thursday in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area at the project inception meeting.
Uja said that the project was funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the SPRiNG Programme and implemented in partnership with Tetra Tech International Development and ActionAid Nigeria
The head of programmes explained that the project was designed in response to persistent farmer/herder conflicts driven by climate-induced resource pressures, declining agricultural productivity, and limited livelihood opportunities.
She assured that through this project, they would establish an aquaponic farm and provide technical training for farmers.
Uja added that they would also set up climate-smart mini ranches and deliver livestock management training for pastoralists.
According to her, the overall goal of the project is to enhance food security, household income, and climate resilience for vulnerable farming and pastoralist communities.
The head of programmes stated that out of the 100 beneficiaries, 10 per cent would be youth, while five per cent would be people living with disabilities.
She said the project runs from November 2025 to March 2026 and is being implemented in Benue (Katsina-Ala LGA) and Katsina State (Batagarawa LGA).
“These challenges disproportionately affect women, youth, and persons with disabilities, who are often the most vulnerable to insecurity and economic disruption.
“The project seeks to improve food security, household income, climate resilience, and peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists by introducing two inclusive, climate-smart livelihood models.
“Aquaponic Farming Systems – a home-based, water-efficient food production method that supports fish and vegetable cultivation. Aquaponics is especially suitable for women, youth, and persons with disabilities – groups who often face mobility or land-access constraints.
“Community-Managed Climate-Smart Mini Ranches – a structured alternative to open grazing that integrates fodder cultivation, improved livestock management, and community-level governance, thereby reducing land-use conflicts and promoting sustainable pastoralism,” she said.
The Chairman of the Katsina Local Government, Mr Justine Shaku, pledged his support to the project.
Shaku assured the team that land would be provided for the project.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chairman was accompanied by the District Head of Michihe Council Ward in support of the five kindred heads in Michihe Council Ward.
NAN further reports that the community members also expressed interest and commitment to support the project.
