From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
In a bid to boost agricultural productivity and support smallholder women farmers, Ayosifam Integrated Service Limited, in partnership with the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), has empowered 10 selected women farmers from Moro and Ilorin South local government areas with extension services, inputs, training, and online market access.
Speaking at the project inauguration in Ilorin on Monday, Funmilayo Esther Famuyiwa, Co-founder and CEO of Ayosifam Integrated Service Limited, highlighted the initiative’s focus on improving the economic well-being of women farmers.
According to Famuyiwa, the project is designed to enhance productivity and profitability for the women.
“In our four years of operation, we discovered some gaps in the farmers. Because we are not after profit-making alone but to impact our community, we came up with this project to empower smallholder women farmers to increase their yields. With the support being given to them, there will be an improvement in their productivity, and they will earn more income,” Famuyiwa said.
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She further emphasized the critical role that women farmers play in food security and economic sustainability.
“They are sustaining the nation’s economy with their agricultural productivity,” she added. Noting plans to extend support to over 200 women farmers next planting season.
As part of the partnership, Ayosifam and Kwara ADP have provided the women with access to extension services, agricultural insurance, and a market for their produce.” She said
Famuyiwa explained that Ayosifam’s processing unit converts cassava roots from the farmers into various products, including high-quality garri, cassava chips, and other cassava-based food items.
The creation of an online market platform for their produce further bridges the gap in market accessibility.
Mrs. Yunus Rodiyat Ronke, Deputy Director of Extension Services at Kwara ADP, reiterated the importance of empowering women in agriculture.
She noted that two extension agents would be assigned to the selected local government areas to ensure the women benefit from the program.
“This will not only improve their productivity but also enhance their livelihoods,” she said.
Mr. Shehu Mutiu Babatunde, an extension agent with Kwara ADP, added that the women would be introduced to modern farming technologies to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
“Machinery and innovation, such as the use of herbicides, will reduce labor costs and improve productivity,” he said.
The initiative is expected to significantly impact the women’s agricultural practices, encouraging them to continue farming and contribute more to the community.
