Gbolekero Women Empowerment and Development Organization (GWEDO) has concluded a capacity building training for women and persons with disabilities in Gelegele Community, Edo State, on promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
The training focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge of environmentally friendly farming practices and equipping them with practical approaches to address environmental challenges affecting their livelihoods and community.
The training covered -Understanding Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change, Environmental Protection and Farming; Organic and Bio-Fertilizers for Environmental Protection; and Environmental Protection and Waste Management on the Farm.
A major component of the training was participatory group work. Participants were divided into three groups to identify the problems, possible solutions and practical action plans for addressing environmental and agricultural challenges in their community.
Among the solutions identified were tree planting and protection, avoidance of bush burning, use of organic inputs, crop rotation, soil protection and proper waste management.
The training also provided an inclusive platform for women and persons with disabilities to share their experiences, contribute to discussions and develop community driven solutions.
Speaking on the outcome of the training, GWEDO executive director, Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright, emphasized the importance of empowering local communities with knowledge and practical tools to protect the environment while improving sustainable livelihoods.
She stressed that environmental protection should not be left to government and organizations alone, stressing that communities, particularly women and persons with disabilities, have an important role to play in building resilient and sustainable communities.
GWEDO pledged to encourage participants to implement action plans developed during the training and to explore opportunities for follow-up support and further practical capacity building.
The organization expressed appreciation to the programme sponsor and partners for supporting the initiative, describing the training as an important step towards strengthening community-led environmental protection and sustainable agricultural practices in Gelegele.
