Women Driving the Change in Nigeria – Literally! - Challenge Fund for Youth Employment

Women Driving Change in Nigeria – Literally!

Nigerian women working in the agricultural sector are negatively impacted by various systemic barriers. With limited access to land, financing, and technology they are often relegated to manual and low-income roles compared to men. Cultural norms and gender-based stereotypes also impact their access to roles that are usually taken on by men, for example in mechanisation or as tractor drivers, as they are seen as “too manly” for women. Being surrounded by such beliefs can be discouraging for young women trying to enter the growing AgriTech sector. Yet, three talented and passionate women from the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Abuja proved these beliefs wrong. Otitoyemi Patience Modupe, Mary Ihejimba, and Victoria Olugbenga participated in the CFYE-supported Hello Tractor Telematics Technician Training that specifically targeted young female technicians by putting them in the drivers’ seats of their tractors – and of their futures.

Spreading Confidence Through Skills

Otitoyemi Patience Modupe, a graduate from Agri Science, first heard about the Hello Tractor programme through a school platform as she was looking for ways to develop her skills further.The opportunity to participate in a women-exclusive training focused on telematics device installation and troubleshooting techniques sounded like a dream come true. The participants gathered early in the morning to get to know each other, the instructors, and Hello Tractor as a company. The excitement in the air was tangible. After the introductions, participants dove straight into action by getting familiar with the device. Otitoyemi Patience was eager to learn how to install it on a tractor and how to set it up. For her, it was exactly this kind of practicality in the training that stood out to her the most. “Learning a new skill is never easy” she mentioned, “but I made a conscious decision to see challenges as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.”

She calls learning a new skill a confidence-booster, and something she can use to help alleviate the insecurities of others. With fresh and up-to-date knowledge, customers can trust her to take the best care of their precious tractors. For Otitoyemi Patience, spreading this confidence is what keeps her going and allows her to give back to her community. Her determination is admirable:

“Whatever your heart is set to do, no matter the level of discouragement, just push through.”

With such a mindset, her dreams of owning her own farm and making the world a better place are sure to come true. Her advice for other young people is that no matter how tough it gets, acquiring a new skill will always get you further.

Bold Women Seize Bold Opportunties

Also in Abuja, a young woman called Mary Ihejimba Obiageli is making waves in the field of agriculture. As a final-year student studying Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Mary has always been passionate about modernising agriculture in Nigeria and came across an intriguing advertisement posted by her university president. The ad was for the same Hello Tractor programme that caught Otitoyemi’s eye. For Mary, this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. Over the years, Mary had been eager to learn more about precision agriculture, believing that the future of farming in Nigeria depended on moving beyond traditional methods. She wanted to master the use of tractors, manage farm resources efficiently, and educate farmers on modern techniques. When she stumbled upon the Hello Tractor program, she knew it was the perfect fit. Mary found the training incredibly supportive and empowering, especially its practical approach, which ensured that everyone was included and had the chance to put what they learned into practice.

The Hello Tractor program had a profound impact on Mary’s life. It not only equipped her with valuable technical skills but also boosted her confidence and self-reliance. She dreams of going into full-time crop production and processing, using modern precision agriculture techniques to make a difference in her community. Mary’s advice to young people is to prioritise food production, learn innovative skills, and seize innovative opportunities like those offered by Hello Tractor. She believes that gender should not be a barrier and that there is immense potential in agriculture for those willing to embrace modern methods.

A Role Model Challenging Traditions

Victoria Olugbenga is in her final year of studies in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology and runs a small business selling drinks at her residence. This entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her academic pursuits, highlights her dedication and resilience. After graduating, she plans to pursue her passion for poultry farming and hopes to own her own farm one day.

Not long ago, while at home, Victoria received a call from a friend who told her about the Hello Tractor training program. Her friend informed her that it was a program targeting women with an interest in agriculture and convinced Victoria to apply. Intrigued by the opportunity, she decided to attend, and the experience was an eye-opener. On the very first day, Victoria was faced with a challenge. She had to dismantle and reassemble the tracking device on her own, which was initially daunting. However, with determination and the support of her encouraging trainers and peers, she succeeded.

This hands-on approach was Victoria’s favourite part of the training. She appreciated that it was not just theoretical; she got to work directly with the devices, making the learning process more engaging and effective. By the second day, she was dismantling the steering part of the tractor and installing the tracking device with confidence.

Victoria’s journey with Hello Tractor is a powerful example of the importance of breaking gender barriers in engineering and agriculture. She hopes to set an example for other young women, demonstrating that through the right opportunities and determination, they too can excel in the traditionally male-dominated fields.

“There is nothing we cannot do as women. Women are making waves now, and being one of the first women trained is very encouraging. “

Victoria wishes that more young women would pursue engineering, so that together they can break the tradition of it being a male-dominated field.

Otitoyemi Patience’s, Mary’s, and Victories journeys with Hello Tractor are a testament to the power of gender-inclusive programs in transforming lives and communities. Their stories are an inspiration to many, showing that with tailored support and training, women can play a crucial role in the future of agriculture.