By Ahmed Ahmed
The UN Women has embarked on a transformative initiative in Bauchi State, training 20 local artisans and seven agricultural extension workers on biogas digester installation, maintenance, and kitchen gardening to boost livelihoods and tackle climate challenges in rural communities.
Mr. Desmond Osemije, National Coordinator for the UN Women Biogas Project, disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the training held in Bauchi.
He explained that the 20 technicians, primarily plumbers, are being equipped with the skills to install and maintain biogas digesters and will, in turn, train 250 rural women beneficiaries in Bauchi and Dass local government areas.
Additionally, seven agricultural extension workers are undergoing training to establish kitchen gardens, enabling rural households to grow vegetables and other crops for easy access to fresh food.
“This project seeks to improve the time use of women, boost agricultural productivity and incomes, enhance health standards, reduce deforestation, and contribute significantly to combating climate change,” Osemije said.
He noted that producing low-cost biogas from animal waste would provide rural women with affordable clean energy for cooking, reduce income and time poverty, and lessen their exposure to health hazards and risks of gender-based violence.
Also speaking, Hajiya Marka Abbas, National Public Relations Officer of the Small Scale Women Farmers Organization of Nigeria (SWOFON), highlighted SWOFON’s collaboration with UN Women to promote sustainable agricultural practices and a cleaner environment.
She explained that the project not only trains women and artisans to install and maintain biodigesters but also creates opportunities for income generation and economic independence.
“By converting waste into biogas and organic fertilizer, the project supports a circular economy, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and combats deforestation.
“The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Bauchi State Government through the Ministries of Women Affairs and Agriculture,” she said
A participant, Mrs. Fatima Usman, expressed optimism, saying the training would enhance her livelihood and pledged to pass on the knowledge to other rural women.
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