Kwara State Polytechnic Launches Women in Agriculture Project to Empower Female Students
The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that empowers women in agriculture.
During the opening of the Women in Agricultural Technical Education Project at the Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal Auditorium, Rector Abdul-Jimoh Muhammed represented by Deputy Rector Academic, Dr. Felicia Awolola emphasized the institution’s focus on increasing female participation in the agricultural sector. He was represented by Deputy Rector Academic, Dr. Felicia Awolola, who highlighted the project’s significance in equipping female students with advanced agricultural skills.
The project, implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, is a two-year initiative designed to improve women’s employability in agriculture and foster job creation in the sector.
The Rector underscored the importance of agriculture as a critical driver of economic growth and sustainability, urging stakeholders to optimize available resources for development. He also expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued support, which has helped the polytechnic’s commercial farm project thrive.
In his address, the South-West Coordinator of the WATEA project, Mr. Emmanuel Onasanya, provided further details about the training offered as part of the initiative. The program covers various aspects of agriculture, including poultry farming, smart agricultural practices, fish production, and processing. Onasanya emphasized that the goal of the project is to address the historical underrepresentation of women in the agricultural field by equipping them with essential tools and knowledge for success.
Onasanya also highlighted that the initiative aims to uplift communities and promote sustainable development by increasing female participation in agricultural activities. The project is expected to play a significant role in providing women with the skills necessary to excel in the industry, contributing to both their empowerment and the broader development of the agricultural sector.
