Writing by KHADIJAH ALIYU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
A non governmental organization, Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has launched a community intervention in Dumaji Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State, in commemoration of World Food Day and International Rural Women’s Day.
Speaking at the occasion, the executive director WOFAN, Dr. Salamatu Garba explained that, Dumaji community is unique as it started with a group of women who were farm labourers earning N120 per week after working tirelessly on people’s farms.
She stressed that, the women were mobilized, trained and linked with extension workers after advocating for farm land from the traditional leaders.
“After the advocacy, the Women were given one hectare where they cultivated about 40 bags out of the profit they sourced for in another farm which was leased out to them, at the end of the day, these women became independent”.
Dr. Salamatu pointed out that a women center equipped with modern rice and maize processing machines, a solar powered multipurpose dryer to reduce post harvest losses and increase income was provided under the icon 2 project.
The executive director explained that, a solar powered marketing hub for PWDs equipped with 124 phone charging and phone repair gadgets was set up in Dumaji community.
Dr. Salamatu highlighted that, PWDs that have transformed into extension workers and peer leaders received 4 customized electric motorcycles to assist their movements from one place to another.
“At WOFAN we believe in the dignity of human beings if you support PWDs no matter how small, it builds their confidence and brings out their best potentials”.
She noted that, the program will take place across ten States in the federation from 12th to 16th October 2024.
“Other Interventions commissioned in Dumaji community includes solar powered borehole to serve Dumaji community, school, and mosque and 24 tricycle loaders”.
The district head of Garun, Malam Alhaji Abubakar Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idinawa, represented by the ward head of Yadakwari, Alhaji Dan’iya Ibrahim, commended the intervention and reiterated the traditional institute’s commitment to providing all the necessary support to achieve the desired objectives.
Some of the visually impaired beneficiaries, Barrister Aminu A. Kura, Abdulmutallif Iliyasu, and Bashir Idris Abubakar Kura, urged PWDs to desist from begging and strive for self-reliance.
The event organized by WOFAN in collaboration with the master card foundation under the icon 2 project featured an exhibition of household items and farm products made by PWDs and women.
