A youth leader speaking during the session in Agwu LGA of Enugu state
Women meeting in Imo state
Despite the chellenges they face , many of the farmers still value education. Many of the youths travel far for school and still work on the lands when they are home
Female farmers from Ogbaku Agwu LGA
a specie of cocyams from Prof Nzelu's collection
A calabash tree. Once the gourds are matured they will be used as dometic utensils for food and drinks
traditonal festive dishes prepared with stockfish (which is viewed by many as part of the traditional food but was actally introduced by Europeans
huge pot of traditional sauce with stockfish heads
Traditional female chefs have now become the norm for events. Working in groups they cook and serve different traditional dishes at festivals and events
a Female chef standing over a huge pot of jollof rice
Washing and dehusking beans for Moimoi a dish made with blended beans steamed in leaves
Slaughtering of animals in many African communities are done outside abbattoirs. Thus butchers or males from the community do the slaughtering and cutting of the meat, insuring that certain parts such as the heart mearnt for titled elders are removed and given to them, while the daughters of the clan get the backbone and waist.
a local butcher at work
For events in Eastern Nigeria, friends of the celebrants give gifts of live cows.
Farmers for our conservation project
Female farmers from Ogbaku
Looking down at the river Niger from the bridge on a foggy harmattan morning
Dr Maureen Duru, speaking to some female farmers about the project
participants keenly listening to information being provided about the project
Mrs Julie Anyikwa standing with a female farmer who is a widow, in front of her temporary accomodation. She was driven out of the family house after her husband's death.
Looking at some of the crops and food plants grown in the community. The farmers also raised concerns about the growing menace of some Fulani cattle rearers who deliberately drive their cattles into planted fields .
A rare fruit, part of the data collected by Prof Nzelu
the communities along the Niger river have very fertile soils and are experienced farmers of yams and tubers. However, in recent years some have been victims of flooding, which has led to the loss of lives and properties
Water yam is a very healthy specie of yam. Favoured by many for its nutritious values. it will be one of our focus crops
Smoked catfish drying under the sun
This is the make shift accomodation of a widowed female farmer after she lost her family home. We are working towards helping her change her life for good
The fertile lands along the river Niger can support planting of crops in different seasons
Many farming communities are also loosing lands due to erosion caused by irresponsible soil escavation by big construction companies
specie of cocyam from Prof Nzelu's collection
a female leader making some comments during the session in Enugu state
Women discussing before sharing donated food stuff
Dr Maureen Duru with two widows who are part of the farming community and Canon Levi and Mrs Julie Anyikwa
