Tech Herfrica, a non-profit organisation says it has trained 250 female farmers in Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, provided 21 of them with smartphones to enable them access valuable farming information digitally.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, a representative of Tech Herfrica, said the organisation was committed to bridging the gap in digital agriculture in Africa.
She said it would achieve that by expanding its transformative EquipHer4Growth initiative to Nasarawa State.
According to her, the programme was officially inaugurated in Nasarawa State on Oct. 21, and it has already made a significant impact in the Rinze and Akun development areas, benefiting more than 200 women.
“Under the EquipHer4Growth program in Nasarawa State, Tech Herfrica has conducted digital and financial literacy training for 250 women and provided 21 clusters of farmers with smartphones.
“These smartphones is to enable them to access valuable farming information, enhance their income through e-commerce, and access essential financial services.
“Participants are also equipped with the knowledge and skills to use platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Groups, mobile apps, Google Search, and other digital tools to improve their farming and business activities.
“In addition, the women are educated on fundamental bookkeeping practices and how to access financial services, including business finance, supply credit, health insurance, and long-term savings plans, ” Bibowei-Osuobeni explained.
According to her, the EquipHer4Growth programme has positively impacted over 3,000 rural women and girls in eight states across Nigeria and Kenya since its inception.
Also in his remark, the traditional ruler of Akun Development Area, Alhaji Usman Umbugadu, appreciated the organisation for such gesture, adding that no organisation had provided such assistance to his community as Tech Herfrica had done.
Umbugadu pledged his full support to the project and promised to collaborate with Tech Herfrica to transform the community into an agriculture and trade hub.
“Tech Herfrica’s innovative approach to empowering female farmers and traders through digital and financial literacy and access to smartphones is leaving a significant impact in Nasarawa State.
“And their efforts are set to continue impacting positively in the lives of women in the region’’, he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Tech Herfrica’s initiative is designed to provide digital and financial education, coupled with access to smartphones and financial services to empower female farmers and traders in rural areas.
The aim is to boost agricultural productivity, enhance climate resilience, increase income through e-commerce, facilitate access to crucial financial services, and encourage active participation in the digital economy. (NAN)
