Oxfam supporters can find out from an Oxfam aid-worker how women in Nigeria are fighting to produce enough food to eat.
Boyowa Ogbe, from Nigeria, will be talking about her work at the Alderley Edge Oxfam shop on Tuesday, 22nd November.
She will give a first-hand account of what it is like to work and live in Nigeria, one of the new growing global economies where women still find it difficult to own land. Although women in Nigeria provide about 80 per cent of the labour input in the agricultural sector, they own less than 1 per cent of the productive farmland.
Boyowa is really excited to be sharing her experiences with supporters in Alderley Edge. She said: "I believe in the strength of women. I am always amazed by the strength and resilience of Nigerian women, who continue to fight for their right to own land and work to produce food."
Alderley Edge Oxfam Shop manager, Katie Robb, said: "Oxfam works with women all around the world to put an end to poverty, suffering and inequality. In Nigeria Boyowa works with women to make sure they can put food on the table for their children every day. I think that they are an inspiration to us all to keep fighting inequality. Everyone is welcome to come and meet Boyowa."
Some 70 per cent of Nigerians depend on agriculture to make a living. Yet, Nigeria's farming industry has failed to keep up with the country's growing population. Nigeria experiences regular food shortages and, although once a large exporter, has become a major importer of food in the region. With the government's annual budget allocation to agriculture standing at a mere one per cent, farming is becoming a less and less sustainable livelihood, especially for the younger generation and for women. Oxfam works with small-scale farmers in Nigeria to help them improve food production, and sell their food in markets.
The Alderley Edge Oxfam shop encourages anyone who might be interested to come along at 6.30pm and absorb Boyowa's inspirational spirit on the Cheshire stop of her UK speaking tour.
For more info about the event contact Beth on 0161 234 2786.
