KWSG holds Sensitisation for Women's Agricultural Co-operatives, SMEs on* Climate-Smart Agricultural Technology

KWSG holds Sensitisation for Women's Agricultural Co-operatives, SMEs on* Climate-Smart Agricultural Technology

Women's Role in KW-SAPZ Success Vital -Commissioner

The Kwara State Government has again equipped women farmers cross the local government areas of the Kwara SAPZ Project locations in the state with tips on how to apply the emerging technological trends to agricultural practice to blend with the climate, as underscored in the Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project.

The event, which took place today at E-Phoenix Hotel, Ilorin, with the theme "Sensitisation Workshop for Women's

Women's Agricultural Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises on Climate-Smart Agricultural Technology", took the participants through climate change,

emerging start agricultural technology and

building farmers' relience in Kwara SAPZ.

Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock Development, Honourable Oloruntoyosi Thomas, congratulated the participants for being part of the sensitisation session, stating that they were representing other women in the state.

The Commissioner, who is the Chairperson, Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee for Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project,

called on the women to replicate the tips and knowlegde received in their respective LGAs.

"Climate change continues to pose significant challenges to agricultural production and livestock development, hence, Kwara SAPZ Project incorporates initiatives that promote climate-focused farming and climate-smart livestock to enhance food security. It is your responsibility to transfer the information obtained here to those you are representing in your local government", she urged.

She emphasised the vital role of women in the success of Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, urging Kwara women to give full support to the project for effective implementation.

"As women play a vital role across the agricultural value chain especially in the implementation of the Kwara SAPZ Project, equipping them with innovative, sustainable, and climate-resilient practices is essential to improving productivity, strengthening food security, and enhancing household incomes. So, don't leave here without knowing how you are going to add value to Kwara SAPZ. Women are very powerful. This is the time to exercise that power to bring about the change that will help us to achieve the beautiful objectives of Kwara SAPZ", she explained.

Earlier in his opening remark, the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, disclosed that the workshop was organised to give adequate information needed for women to follow the project as Kwara SAPZ cannot do without women, and intends to prevent post-harvest losses and enhance food and nutritional security in the state.

Commending the state Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq CON, for the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project in the state, he said that the workshop was timely and aligns with the State Government's vision of transforming agriculture into a modern, resilient, and commercially viable sector.

Busari further assured participants that the workshop will lead to increase and growth in their intellectual weight in climate-smart farming and livestock.

Dwelling on the effects of climate change, the resource person, Dr. Yusuf Sa'adat Yetunde from the Department of Crop Protection, University of Ilorin, enlightened the participants that climate change affects farming, threatens food security, reduces incomes, and therefore, requires new approaches.

She then explained that climate-smart agriculture improved productivity, builds resilience, protects resource and supports sustainability.

The event featured question-and-answer session, which gave the participants an opportunity to get clarification on aspects that raised concerns.

Representatives of the participants at the occasion thanked the government for organising the workshop and considering women fit for participating in the event.

In attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya; representatives of Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication; Jonapwd Kwara State Chapter; Nigeria Association of Women in Agriculture; Small Scale Women Farmers of Nigeria; Centre go Gender Studies, University of Ilorin; and Nigerian Women in Livestock, Kwara State Chapter.

Sangodare Ayinla, Ph.D

KMCO,

Kwara SAPZ Project

07033350735

8/7/26