The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bauchi State chapter, on Monday distributed cucumber seedlings to its members to promote backyard farming and improve household nutrition.

Speaking during the distribution, the state’s NAWOJ chairperson, Rashida Yusuf, said 40 members had benefitted from the initiative.

The distribution marked the second phase of the association’s backyard and sack farming empowerment programme aimed at encouraging members to engage in small-scale agriculture.

“This is the second phase of this programme. We intend to encourage vegetable farming in our households through backyard gardening.

“The initiative is designed to engage our members in farming activities, boost food production at the household level and encourage healthy living,” she said.

Ms Yusuf urged members to take advantage of the rainy season to establish home gardens and cultivate vegetables for their families.

She recalled that during the association’s previous backyard and sack-farming training, members were encouraged not only to practise gardening but also to use their platforms as journalists to raise public awareness of its benefits.

“As members of the fourth estate of the realm, we have a responsibility to practise what we advocate and educate the public on the importance of home gardening, especially among women.

“We expect members to apply the knowledge gained and also encourage others to embrace backyard farming as a means of improving nutrition and household food security,” she said.

The NAWOJ chairperson expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen members’ interest in agriculture while contributing to improved family welfare through increased access to fresh vegetables. 

(NAN)