By Ebunoluwa Sessou & Damilola Akapo

Women engineers have been advised to take advantage of home gardening as a way of tackling food insecurity and scarcity in the country.

The advice was given at the public lecture/award presentation, and annual general meeting organized by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, in Lagos.

With the theme, ‘Empowering Nigerian women Engineers and Communities to promote sustainable agricultural solutions and food security in Nigeria, the Dean of Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Engr. Prof. AkindeleAlonge challenged the women engineers to take on agriculture as a business to make money to feed friends and families.

According to him, home gardening is a must in our homes. Women engineers must be involved in agriculture production, and education, and training for women engineers in agriculture practices and solutions is a way to empower women.

“There is a need to have access to resources, including funding and lands, and take advantage of capacity building in technology, leadership, policy, and decision making and advocacy.

“We should also take advantage of community engagement, training of young ones to be involved in the farming process, and take advantage of funding available from international organizations.

“To promote gender equality by not sidelining the women in the agricultural sector, monitoring and evaluation of impact being made in enhancing agriculture, involve in-home gardening by practicing one form of agriculture or the other in residential locations which requires less effort,” he said.

Akindele further explained that there is a need to make use of technology and science to improve food production. Additionally, women need to turn their desserts into places for food production by using the massive land for mechanization to enhance food security.

His words: “We need to modernize agriculture and leverage digital technology to improve agricultural production.”

In her contribution, the Past Natural Chairman of Nigeria Institution of Agriculture, Engr. PatriciaOdili who represents the National President, APWEN, Engr. Olabisi Osim said the association has made substantial strides in advancing the development of women engineers. “The community to address pressing issues and foster growth, unveiling a home gardening initiative to promote food security harps on collective efforts to achieve food security in Nigeria.”

The guest speaker, CEO of Farm Fresh Agricultural Venture, Farmer Oyelekan Abiodun, said there are advantages in empowering women, adding that economic empowerment allows women to control resources and assets.

‘I challenge the APWEN Lagos chapter to think about how to design small agricultural tools for Nigerian farmers.

“ You can work with professional fabricators. The solution to food security lies in the hands of professional women engineers.

“You can be involved in agricultural processes and link up with farmers in Nigeria. Design a website for farmers in Nigeria where they can market their goods after harvesting. You can get involved in exportation. Organize training and seminars quarterly”, he said.

Also, Chairman, Onigbongbo local government, Oladotun Olakanle, food sustainability is key.“Insecurity has impacted food production. There is a need for Nigerians to embrace home gardening in the quest to enhance food production. We need to promote food gardening to sustain food availability in the country and tackle food insecurity”, he said.

In her reaction, the Chairman APWEN, Lagos chapter, Engr. Atinuke Owolabi FNSE disclosed that APWEN’s Lagos Home Gardening Initiative focuses on empowering women engineers and local communities.

“This initiative aims to enhance food security, encourage self-sufficiency, and foster environmental sustainability through practical and accessible gardening practices.

“Promote sustainable practices to equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and maintain home gardens, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable living.

“To empower women engineers and provide them with hands-on experience and training in home gardening, integrating this knowledge with their professional skills to foster self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.

“Engage grassroots communities to target primary and secondary schools to introduce young minds to the benefits of home gardening, creating a culture of sustainability from an early age and ensuring long-term community impact”, she said.