The UN Women says it has trained 20 artisans and seven agricultural extension workers on biogas digester installation, maintenance, and kitchen gardening to boost livelihoods in Bauchi’s rural communities.
The National Coordinator for the UN Women Biogas Projects, Mr Desmond Osemije, disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening of the training in Bauchi.
Osemije said that the initiative was also designed to tackle climate challenges in rural communities.
He explained that the 20 technicians, primarily plumbers, were 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.
Osemije further said that 250 rural women would benefit from the biogas digester, comprising 125 each from Bauchi and Dass LGAs.
“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 also said that producing low-cost biogas from animal waste would provide rural women with affordable clean energy for cooking, reduce income and time poverty.
It will also lessen their exposure to health hazards and risks of gender-based violence.
Also speaking, Hajiya Marka Abbas, the National Public Relations Officer of the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria, underscored the need for collaboration with UN Women to promote sustainable agricultural practices and a cleaner environment.
She said that the project not only trains women and artisans to install and maintain bio-digesters, but also creates opportunities for income generation and economic independence.
“By converting waste into biogas and organic fertiliser, 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, Miss Fatima Usman, expressed optimism that the training would enhance her livelihood and pledged to pass on the knowledge to other rural women.
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