Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) recently hosted a site visit from Father Desmond Edozie, Board Member of CAFOD United Kingdom, marking a significant moment of partnership, learning, and shared commitment to women and youth empowerment.
Father Desmond’s visit began at CWSI office before proceeding to the project communities alongside CWSI Executive Director, Sister Ngozi Frances Uti; CAFOD Nigeria Programme Manager, Mr. Abazie Chukwuedozie; and members of the CWSI project team.
The focus of the visit was the ongoing project, “Empowering Women and Youth Smallholder Farmers in the Groundnut Market System Development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” implemented by CWSI with support from Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD). The initiative has directly empowered 579 beneficiaries—smallholder farmers in Paiko and Bamishi communities—by strengthening livelihoods, improving market access, and building economic resilience.
In addition to income generation, the project promotes climate-smart agricultural practices, including the use of organic fertilizers, briquette charcoal, and tree planting, contributing to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
The visit was met with great enthusiasm, as beneficiaries welcomed Father Desmond and the team in large numbers. Community members expressed heartfelt gratitude to CAFOD Nigeria, sharing testimonies of improved farming practices, increased productivity, and renewed hope for sustainable livelihoods.
CWSI values this meaningful engagement and the ongoing partnership with CAFOD. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment to empowering women and youth, strengthening community resilience, and advancing sustainable development.
