One thousand farmers in the Dikwa Local Government Area received fertilizer and a variety of seeds on Monday, donated by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAO), in collaboration with the Herwa Community Development Initiative.

Mohammed Ali, the chairman of the Herwa Community Development Initiative, said each beneficiary had received spinach, onion, tomato, cabbage and okra seeds and a bag of fertilizer.

“I know that our people have not been able to farm peacefully for a while because of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in Dikwa.  In the past few years many farmers were killed, attacked and abducted on their farms. Some were even decapitated,” he said.

“But peace is gradually being restored in Dikwa. We hope that soon all farmers will be able to go back to their land without living in fear of attacks by insurgents. ”

Ali said agriculture remained the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.  “For that reason, we will continue to help farmers with the necessary tools they need. We want to encourage them to go back to farming. ”

Muhktar Modu Gaji, the chairman of Nasaba Irrigation Farmers, told RNI that they were among the beneficiaries. He said they were grateful for the help.

But Malam Muhktar, a farmer, said they still did not have a sufficient water supply, generators and pipes. He called on the government and non-governmental organisations to help them.

Beneficiary Hajja Yagana said she was happy to get help.  “I’ve been given different seeds and a 25kg bag of fertilizer. I thank them all. ”

Another beneficiary, Malam Grema, said, although he was grateful for the help, the lack of water remained a problem.

Malam Aisami , the FAO representative, urged the beneficiaries to use the items they received for the purpose intended and said he hoped they would not sell them.