Success Harvest by the Maikunkele Safe House in Nigeria

by Saliu Olumide Saheed

The Maikunkele Safe House community farm has successfully concluded its 2024 harvesting season, marked by the collective effort and dedication of the women who led the farming activities. This year’s focus on maize, corn, and soybeans yielded substantial produce, with several bags harvested for each crop. These essential staples contribute to the community's food security and serve as a source of income, as surplus produce is planned for sale in local markets. The farm’s success reflects its members' resilience and hard work, particularly the women, who managed the labor-intensive processes from planting to harvest.

Despite the successes, the season was not without its challenges. Unpredictable rainfall created risks for the crops, and the manual nature of the work demanded significant physical effort from the women. Post-harvest storage also emerged as a concern, with a need for better facilities to prevent losses. However, the determination and unity of the community ensured these obstacles did not overshadow the season’s achievements. The harvest has strengthened the community's independence, reducing reliance on external support while fostering a spirit of self-reliance.

Looking ahead, the Maikunkele Safe House plans to build on this season’s progress by adopting sustainable farming practices, improving storage infrastructure, and diversifying crop options. Training programs aimed at equipping women with advanced agricultural skills are also under consideration. This season has not only provided nourishment and income but has also reaffirmed the community's commitment to growth, resilience, and empowerment.