HFDI STRENGTHENS FOOD SECURITY IN ETINAN LGA WITH POULTRY MANURE DISTRIBUTION TO VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS
…Follow-up Intervention Targets Soil Fertility, Crop Productivity, and Sustainable Livelihoods…
Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI, Akwa Ibom State conducted a follow-up distribution of poultry manure to vulnerable households at Ikot Ndem, Ikot Abasi, Etinan Local Government Area.
The intervention is a direct complement to HFDI’s April 2026 agricultural support, through which beneficiary households received agricultural inputs and seedlings to establish and strengthen household gardens and small-scale farms.
Agriculture remains a key source of livelihood and food security for many low-income families in Akwa Ibom State. However, declining soil fertility, limited access to farm inputs, and economic constraints continue to limit productivity among smallholder farmers.
To sustain gains from the April intervention, HFDI targeted:
1. Improved soil fertility and crop productivity
2. Enhanced effectiveness and sustainability of seedlings and inputs distributed earlier
3. Strengthened household food security through increased food production
4. Improved resilience and livelihoods of vulnerable households
5. Increased utilization of household gardens and farms
The exercise, conducted within the target community in Etinan LGA, included sensitization on the importance of organic fertilization. Beneficiaries were trained on appropriate application methods for various crops, proper handling and storage of poultry manure, recommended application techniques, and key environmental considerations.
Beneficiaries participated actively and expressed enthusiasm, noting the potential of the support to improve productivity and household food availability.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation to HFDI for the timely intervention. One beneficiary, Mrs. Unwana Sunday, said:
“We are sincerely grateful to HFDI for not only providing us with seedlings and farm inputs but also following up with poultry manure. The manure came at the right time because our crops are already growing. With this support, we expect a better harvest than previous years.”
According to her, “This intervention will help us feed our children and reduce the burden of buying food from the market. It has encouraged us to take farming more seriously, and we believe our crops will grow better and provide enough food for our families. May God continue to bless the organization for remembering vulnerable households like ours. We look forward to more opportunities in the future.”
The positive feedback underscores the relevance of the intervention in improving agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The activity also highlights the importance of follow-up support and the value of complementary inputs like organic fertilizer, a practical and cost-effective solution for vulnerable farmers.
Poultry manure, as a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, improves soil structure, enhances nutrient availability, increases water retention, and promotes healthy crop development.
The distribution represents a significant milestone in HFDI’s efforts to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihood outcomes in Akwa Ibom State. By integrating inputs, seedlings, and organic manure, the organization is strengthening beneficiaries’ capacity to improve soil fertility, increase crop productivity, and enhance household food availability.
HFDI reaffirmed its commitment to implementing sustainable, community-driven interventions that improve livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and support the well-being of vulnerable families across the state.