Ginger farmers in Kaduna State say a project aimed at eliminating child labour has improved farming practices and renewed confidence in ginger production following years of losses caused by ginger blight. The Kaduna Ginger Project was implemented by the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) in partnership with the Fair Labor Association (FLA).
A farmer from Jaba Local Government Area, Jonathan Bako, said the project helped families understand the dangers of involving children in farm work and encouraged them to prioritise education. He said farmers were also trained to organise farm activities more safely by engaging adult labour where necessary.
Beneficiaries from Kachia and Kagarko Local Government Areas said the initiative provided training on good agricultural practices, disease prevention, post-harvest handling and the use of improved planting materials. Project Coordinator, Michael Agon, said the programme had strengthened awareness about child labour, promoted decent working conditions and supported farmers with improved ginger seeds.
The farmers appealed to the Federal and Kaduna State Governments and development partners to expand the project to more ginger-producing communities. They also called for continued access to improved seedlings, extension services, mechanisation and affordable credit, saying sustained support would boost household incomes, protect children’s rights and accelerate the recovery of Kaduna’s ginger industry.
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