As Nigeria join in the celebration of World Food Day and the International Day of Rural Women, the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has brought succour Dumaji, Garin Malam Local Government, Kano State with life-changing projects.
These projects include a solar-powered borehole, a women’s processing centre, a solar-powered marketing hub, a charging points centre, 24 agro-tricycle loaders, and three electric motorcycle targeted at improving livelihoods especially of women and people with disabilities in the community.
The solar-powered borehole is designed to provide clean water for local school, mosque and other areas in the entire Dumaji community.
This project addresses the community’s long-standing struggle with access to clean water, significantly improving both health and hygiene for residents.
The WOFAN Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba at the event, harped on the importance of these projects in empowering the Dumaji community.
Dr Garba commended the collaborative efforts that made the project possible, particularly through WOFAN’s ICON2 Project in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
“This event is part of our activities to mark World Food Day and International Rural Women’s Day, which will continue in several states until Wednesday, October 16th. We are starting here in Dumaji because this community is dear to us.
“The people here are dedicated farmers, the women are entrepreneurs, and there is a strong sense of cooperation. That’s why we chose Dumaji to launch our activities,” Garba noted.
She further pointed out the importance of the newly commissioned solar-powered borehole, which has been reticulated to 13 areas within the community, benefiting four neighboring communities and reaching about 3 million people.
“This community has been without water for over a decade, and this project will significantly improve their lives,” she said.
Garba also noted that the 24 agro-tricycle carriers will ease the transportation challenges farmers face during harvest.
“These tricycles will help farmers transport their goods more efficiently, turning them into entrepreneurs managing their logistics. It also provides dignity and job opportunities to the youth in this community”, Garba noted.
Also, the women’s processing center features a solar-powered multipurpose dryer, which will help reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security.
The facility is also expected to boost the local economy by enabling women to process and market their agricultural produce more effectively. The centre consists of rice and maize processing machines to further support local farmers.
The solar-powered marketing hub for those with disabilities includes charging points for electric tricycles and phones, a POS station, and repair services, providing jobs and creating financial independence for disabled community members.
Three electric motorcycles were donated to people with disabilities who have shown exceptional leadership in their communities.
The District Head of Garin Malam, Alhaji Abubakar Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idinawa, represented by the Ward Head of Dumaji, Alhaji Muhammad Daniya Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to WOFAN for their livelihood improving work in the community.
“In the past, we relied on stream water for our daily needs. Now, with this borehole, we have clean water. The electric motorcycles, women center and tricycle loaders for our youth are also greatly appreciated.
“This is the government’s responsibility, but you have done it for us”, he said.
He added that these projects would help address unemployment, reduce insecurity, and create opportunities for the community’s youth. “We will never forget this, and we will continue to pray for WOFAN,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries Bala Abdullahi, who received an electric motorcycle, said, “I used to spend 1,200 naira on transportation daily. Now, with this electric motorcycle, I can save that money.
“I am grateful to WOFAN and the Mastercard Foundation for making this possible.”
Sabitu Danjumai Sani, a recipient of a tricycle loader, said, “This tricycle will help me support my family. We truly appreciate WOFAN’s support.”
Muhamuda Munkaila, a resident of Dumaji, praised the installation of the borehole, noting that it would significantly improve access to water in the community.
Also, Lawan Murtala, a POS agent and person living with disability, commended WOFAN for the solar-powered marketing hub. “We offer lower rates for transactions at the centre compared to town, making it easier for people to access financial services. This has transformed how we operate,” he said.
