The Farmers Resilience and Data Empowerment Program (FARDEP) was successfully flagged off in Anambra West, Anambra State, marking an important step toward addressing persistent challenges faced by smallholder farmers in flood-prone communities.
The flag-off recorded a strong turnout of farmers, community members, and stakeholders, reflecting both the urgency of agricultural challenges in the area and the willingness of local farmers to engage in solutions that improve productivity, resilience, and livelihoods.
Understanding the Challenge
Despite having vast arable land, many farmers in Anambra West face a major limitation: lack of access to quality farm inputs, particularly yam seedlings, which remain one of the most important inputs for subsistence and commercial farming in the area.
Flooding, rising costs of inputs, and limited access to finance have further deepened this gap, leaving many farmers unable to fully utilize their farmland.
A Demonstration of Commitment
As part of the FARDEP flag-off, ANAM Initiative internally mobilised limited resources to purchase and distribute a small quantity of yam seedlings. This distribution was deliberately symbolic and demonstrative, aimed at highlighting the central role of quality seedlings in farm productivity rather than meeting the full scale of demand.
The gesture was received with appreciation and shared with enthusiasm among farmers, reinforcing the importance of timely access to inputs and collective support.
Farmers were clearly informed that this distribution represented a demonstration phase, while broader provision of yam seedlings and other inputs will follow as donations, partnerships, and grant support become available.
The Way Forward
FARDEP is designed as a scalable intervention. As support increases, the program will expand to:
- Provide adequate yam seedlings and other critical inputs
- Strengthen farmer data and planning, solar method training on processing and storage of farm produce
- Improve resilience against flood-related losses
- Promote sustainable and inclusive agricultural development
ANAM Initiative remains committed to working with partners, donors, agribusinesses, and community leadership to ensure that farmers in Anambra West are not left behind.
Acknowledgement
Program: Farmers Resilience and Data Empowerment Program (FARDEP)
Implemented by: ANAM Initiative
Technical Support: Path Away
Community Leadership Support: Anam Peoples Assembly
Community Stakeholders: President Generals (PGs) of Anambra West Communities
FARDEP is implemented by ANAM Initiative with technical support from Path Away, in collaboration with Anam Peoples Assembly and the President Generals (PGs) of Anambra West Communities, whose leadership and community coordination were critical to the success of the flag-off.
– Unoma Theresa Aniesi
Executive Diretor
ANAM Initiative