PWDs under VCDP in Niger pledge to drop negative behaviours, fight stereotypes

Persons Living With Disabilities, PWDs, under the Federal Government of Nigeria/International Fund for Agricultural Development – Value Chain Development Programme, FGN/IFAD-VCDP, in Niger State have pledged to discard attitudes and behaviours that fuel negative stereotypes against them, as part of efforts to promote inclusion and change societal perceptions.

They made this pledge during a specialised training programme organised by VCDP for PWDs beneficiaries from Bida and Kontagora Local Government Areas in Minna.

Some of the participants said they had observed that certain behaviours among a few persons with disabilities often create negative impressions and worsen stigma against the wider PWD community.

They explained that the training exposed them to better ways of relating with society and expressed readiness to step down the knowledge gained to others in their various communities.

The Rural Institution Gender Mainstreaming Officer of VCDP, Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar Ahmed, said the training was organised to build the capacity of PWDs in relating with people in society, adding that the programme has transformed many lives since they were mainstreamed into the intervention about four years ago.

According to her, although the programme started in 2014, PWDs were not initially included until the need for intentional inclusion was recognised, leading to improved livelihoods among beneficiaries now engaged in rice and cassava farming and other productive activities.

She explained that beneficiaries have been profiled and supported in cassava and rice farming as well as home gardening, enabling many to cater for their families and sponsor their children’s education.

Facilitator, Mr. Retle Obed, said the training is aimed at helping persons with disabilities understand who they are and accept their condition, so they can confidently show the world that although they may have physical disabilities, they are still capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

He commended VCDP for including persons with disabilities in its programme, noting that the initiative has helped to build confidence, promote inclusion, and demonstrate their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

Furthermore, beneficiaries of the programme commended VCDP for improving their livelihoods and giving them a sense of inclusion in society.

According to them, the intervention had enabled them to leave the streets and engage in productive farming activities, particularly cassava and rice production.
“The support we are getting has restored their dignity and independence. We are no longer on the streets begging. Today, we can farm, feed our families and support our children’s education,” said Amina Mohammed.

Another beneficiary, Hamza Abdullah, added that the training and farm inputs provided by VCDP had changed their economic conditions and helped them become self-reliant 

PWDs under VCDP in Niger pledge to drop negative behaviours, fight stereotypes