By correspondent in Ilorin.
Women farmers in Kwara State, particularly small holder rural farmers, have been encouraged to adopt Information Communication Technology (ICT) to minimize post-harvest losses and drive economic development.
This advice came from Funmilayo Esther Famuyiwa, an agricultural entrepreneur and co-founder of Ayosifam Integrated Service Ltd, during an interview with journalists in Ilorin on Sunday.
Famuyiwa stressed the transformative potential of ICT-based initiatives in agriculture, noting that they could provide essential resources such as extension services, farm insurance, microcredit, agricultural inputs, and access to markets.
These tools, she said, would not only enhance productivity but also promote sustainable agriculture and food security.
“Our mission is to empower women and youth in cassava farming while addressing challenges like post-harvest losses.
” Through this initiative, small holder rural farmers, especially women, can access opportunities that improve their yields and economic outcomes,” Famuyiwa stated.
She expressed the commitment of her organization to offer services like extension support, farm insurance, and online produce listings.
Acknowledging the critical role of women in agriculture, Famuyiwa underscored their contributions to Nigeria’s economic sustainability.
“Over the years, we’ve identified significant gaps in farming operations. Our approach prioritizes community impact over profit. By empowering women farmers with ICT solutions, we help increase their productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and overcome barriers like limited market access,” she explained.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
