International Day of Rural Women: WOFAN transforms Kano community with solar-powered borehole, women center, electric tricycles
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu Northern Bureau Chief
On Oct 17, 2024
Rural Women, WOFAN , Dumaji , Kano, solar-powered borehole, women center, electric tricycles
International Day of Rural Women: WOFAN transforms Kano community with solar-powered borehole, women center, electric tricycles.
In celebration of World Food Day and the International Day of Rural Women, the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has unveiled a series of life-changing projects in Dumaji, Garin Malam Local Government, Kano State.
SolaceBase reports that these impactful initiatives 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 motorcycles—all aimed at uplifting the community, particularly women and people with disabilities.
WOFAN’s solar-powered borehole is designed to serve the entire Dumaji community, providing clean water to the local school, mosque, and several other key areas.
This project addresses the community’s long-standing struggle with access to clean water, significantly improving both health and hygiene for residents.
At the event, WOFAN Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, emphasized the importance of these projects in empowering the Dumaji community.
She expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that made the project possible, particularly through WOFAN’s ICON2 Project in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Through these groundbreaking projects, WOFAN is setting a strong example of how targeted, inclusive development can transform rural communities, improve livelihoods, and empower both women and people with disabilities.
“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 said.
She highlighted 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 nearly 3 million people. “This community has been without water for over a decade, and this project will significantly improve their lives,” she added.
Garba also spoke about the 24 agro-tricycle carriers that 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.”
Additionally, 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 expected to boost the local economy by enabling women to process and market their agricultural produce more effectively. Inside the center, there are rice and maize processing machines to further support local farmers.
Another key highlight of the event was the commissioning of a solar-powered marketing hub specifically designed for people with disabilities. This hub includes charging points for electric tricycles and phones, a POS station, and repair services, providing jobs and creating financial independence for disabled community members.
To further demonstrate WOFAN’s commitment to inclusivity, 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 heartfelt appreciation to WOFAN for their transformative 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 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 said.
Beneficiaries of these projects shared their gratitude as well. 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.
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.
