NGO empowers rural women with AI skills for agro-food enterprises

The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), a non-governmental organisation, has launched an initiative to empower rural women engaged in palm oil processing, garri production, and other agro-food enterprises with digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

The organisation explained that the initiative was aimed at boosting food productivity, increasing incomes, and expanding market access for rural communities across Nigeria.

In a statement issued in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, and signed by Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, YEDIS Founder and Executive Director, announced that the initiative had received international recognition following the publication of its flagship programme, “Digital Capacity Building and AI Integration for Rural Women Agribusiness Processors in Nigeria,” on the South-South Galaxy Platform of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

He noted that the programme was implemented across underserved communities in Osun State and other parts of South-West Nigeria.

Olaore posited the initiative demonstrates how technology and innovation can be deployed to tackle poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, and food insecurity in rural communities.

“The recognition by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation reinforces our belief that locally designed and community-driven solutions can contribute meaningfully to global development priorities.

“Our experience shows that when rural women are equipped with digital skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to productive resources, they become powerful drivers of economic growth, food security, and community resilience,” he noted.

According to him, the initiative gained international visibility after it was presented during an official session organised by YEDIS at the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF), held in Washington, D.C., in April 2026.

The session, entitled “Examining How Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture Create Jobs in Developing Countries,” explored practical approaches to leveraging emerging technologies for job creation and inclusive economic growth in developing countries.

Olaore added that the subsequent implementation of the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to translating global policy discussions into measurable grassroots impact.

He further stated that the programme contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, zero hunger, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for sustainable development.

He, however, called on government institutions, development partners, private sector organisations, and philanthropic bodies to partner with YEDIS in scaling up the initiative across Osun State, Nigeria, and other parts of Africa.

Expanding access to digital skills, artificial intelligence, and modern agro-processing technologies among rural women according to him presents a significant opportunity to drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs, and improve food security across developing regions.