Ibadan: The Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) has expressed optimism on the viability of the 2025 dry season farming despite the present climate change effects on agriculture. The Oyo State Coordinator, SWOFON, Mrs. Atinuke Akinbade, shared her insights during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), highlighting the challenges faced and the preparations underway for the upcoming farming season. According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akinbade lamented the significant losses incurred due to irregular rainfall patterns during the onset of the 2025 rainy season. She noted that planting efforts between April and May were severely affected, resulting in a lack of substantial growth for the crops. However, she mentioned that recent improvements in rainfall have been beneficial for plantations, and expressed hope for continued support from the rains. Akinbade emphasized the need for government intervention, particularly in the distribution of seedlings and other inputs to farmers for the dry season. She also outlined SWOFON's efforts to secure high-yielding seeds from agricultural institutes to counteract the increased prices of farming inputs. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, Akinbade affirmed that small scale women farmers remain committed to their agricultural endeavors, as it is their primary source of livelihood. She explained that while the dry season farming typically begins between August and September, unpredictable weather patterns make it difficult to anticipate conditions. Nonetheless, she expressed determination to proceed with planting and rely on faith for favorable outcomes. Akinbade also called on government entities to extend more interventions to support small scale farmers, especially women, stressing the importance of government support in alleviating poverty and aiding the survival of families in the current economic climate. She highlighted the innovative and communal efforts of women farmers to sustain their households and urged for state recog nition and assistance in these initiatives.
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