By Taiwo Niyi
Women farmers in Kwara State, particularly smallholder rural farmers, can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and enhance their economic growth by leveraging Information Communication Technology (ICT) in their agricultural activities.
This was disclosed by Funmilayo Esther Famuyiwa, an agricultural entrepreneur and co-founder of Ayosifam Integrated Service Ltd, during an interview in Ilorin on Sunday.
Famuyiwa highlighted that ICT-based initiatives could provide women farmers and youths with access to extension services, insurance, microcredit, farm inputs, and market opportunities, thereby fostering sustainable agriculture and food security.
“Our aim is to empower more women and youth in cassava farming while promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. This initiative creates robust opportunities for smallholder rural farmers, especially women, to reduce post-harvest loss,” she said.
Famuyiwa revealed that Ayosifam had upgraded its website to include services such as extension support, insurance for farmers, and online listings for farm produce. Farmers within designated catchment areas in Kwara State can now access microcredit and farm inputs after certification by extension agents.
She emphasized the importance of women farmers in achieving food security and sustainability, noting their critical role in sustaining Nigeria’s economy through agricultural productivity.
“In our years of operation, we discovered gaps in farmers’ operations. Because our focus is not solely on profit but community impact, we developed this initiative to empower smallholder rural farmers, especially women, to increase their yields and reduce post-harvest losses. With the creation of online market access, we bridge the gap for women farmers who face challenges in marketing their harvest,” she explained.
As part of its value addition strategy, Ayosifam processes cassava harvested by women farmers into high-quality products, including Ayosifam Garri, Ayosifam Lebu, and Ayosifam Cassava Chips. “We help these farmers by taking their cassava produce and converting it into cassava-based food products, addressing the challenge of market access and ensuring their produce does not go to waste,” she added.
Famuyiwa reiterated that ICT solutions hold immense potential for transforming agriculture in Nigeria by addressing key challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly women.