In Angwan Doka II, urban farming has grown from a small experiment into a quiet movement, driven almost entirely by women. Through climate-smart agriculture training, supported by GIFSEP’s urban farming initiative, households learned to turn small backyard spaces into thriving food gardens. Sack farming, compost production, and simple organic practices are now helping families grow what they eat, cut food expenses, and build resilience in the face of rising climate pressures.

But beyond the techniques, what stands out most are the stories of women who have turned learning into leadership and necessity into innovation.

Women Farmers Spotlight: 

Janet Akwaji — “Urban farming brought farming back into my life.”

For Janet, a tailor and mother of six, farming had once become too discouraging. Renting land was expensive, and open fields meant her crops were often destroyed by grazing animals. She had nearly given up completely when she heard about urban farming.

“I was so amazed. The moment I heard we could farm in sacks, I knew this was something I could do. I have a small space at home in my backyard. So I said, “Let me come and learn it.”

Janet quickly embraced the techniques, sack farming, compost making, and black soldier fly training. Today, she grows carrots, cabbage, yam, potatoes, onions, and even cucumbers.

Her backyard garden now feeds her family and inspires her community.

“I used to share my knowledge on sack farming anywhere I found myself. I’m a woman of all people. If I go to a meeting, people who know my language, I share it with them. Sometimes I even give them sacks so that they can try it. Many of my friends, even carrots and cabbage, I remove for them to plant.” 

 Ramatu Mohammed — “I saw fresh yam and pepper, and I knew I wanted to learn.”

For Ramatu, the journey began with curiosity. A neighbor invited her to join one of the training sessions, and what she saw immediately convinced her.

“They harvested pepper and yam that day, and they were so fresh…you don’t easily see that kind of fresh produce in the market and it was easy because everything you need is right in your house.”  Now her yam, tomatoes, pepper, and carrots now grow right behind her doorstep, fresh, organic, and available when she needs them.

Urban farming in Angwan Doka II is doing more than producing vegetables—it’s restoring confidence, strengthening household nutrition, and building a community of women who share knowledge freely.