Niger PWD farmers seek planting guidance after poor harvest
Farmers with disabilities participating in the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Niger State are urging for improved guidance on optimal planting times and access to early-maturing crop varieties. This request comes in the wake of disappointing harvests during the 2026 farming season.
The appeal was made during a feedback session focused on the empowerment support provided to farmers with disabilities across nine local government areas involved in the VCDP, which is supported by the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
Mohamed Abubakar Enagi, Chairman of the Niger State Farmers with Disabilities and a representative of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), reported that the group cultivated rice, maize, soybeans, and cowpea, but experienced varied outcomes. He noted that their rice, planted on roughly half a hectare, suffered significantly due to insufficient rainfall, leading to low expectations for a substantial yield.
As of the feedback exercise, the farmers had harvested more than nine bags of maize and eight bags of soybeans, while the cowpea was still not ready for harvest. Enagi emphasized that late planting was a contributing factor to the poor results, as the group began planting at the end of May.
“We need guidance on the right time to plant and the type of seeds to use, especially early-maturing varieties, so that we can improve our harvest,” Enagi stated. He also highlighted the challenge of labor costs, explaining that many farmers with disabilities must hire additional help, as they cannot perform all farming tasks independently. Furthermore, some members of the group have depleted their resources and have turned to borrowing to sustain their farming efforts.
While Enagi acknowledged that the group had received farm inputs and training through VCDP, he insisted that more practical guidance is necessary to mitigate losses in future seasons.
Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar Ahmed, the VCDP Rural Institution, Gender and Youth Officer in Niger State, confirmed that 262 farmers with disabilities are currently registered in the program’s database, with many engaged in activities across the rice and cassava value chains. She mentioned that the program allocates a dedicated budget for supporting individuals with disabilities, providing resources such as fertilizers, herbicides, protective equipment, and processing machinery.
Ahmed added that the program assesses the needs of beneficiaries through business plans that encompass production, processing, and marketing, alongside field visits to evaluate the support offered.
Regarding access to weather information, she noted that advisories are sent out to farmers, although some may not receive them due to changes in their contact numbers. “The program is updating its database to address this issue,” she said.
Ahmed acknowledged that inadequate rainfall has adversely affected crop yields and noted that late planting has been an issue for some beneficiaries. She concluded by stating that the program is working to educate farmers about production costs, expected returns, and available resources before they decide to expand their operations.
