On the 15th of September 2023, Tech Herfica, under the Feed the Future Nigeria Agriculture Policy Activity, based on the invitation of Prof Onyikan Tassie, conducted a groundbreaking session titled “Unpacking Digital Technology Tools for the Implementation of the Ebonyi State Climate Change Policy Framework.”
This initiative aimed to address the pressing challenges of climate change, enhance agricultural productivity, and foster digital inclusion in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The project targeted a diverse audience of over 100 individuals, including representatives from relevant State ministries, NGOs, CSOs, the private sector, farmers, women groups, agricultural workers, etc.
Project Objectives were to:
- Demonstrate the potential of digital technology in mitigating the effects of climate change.
- Explore how digital technology can facilitate access to new markets and increase the income of farmers.
- Develop strategies for fostering the digital economy and ensuring digital inclusion in Ebonyi State.
- Advocate for government policies and frameworks that promote digital inclusion and provide the necessary tools and knowledge for individuals to harness the benefits of the digital economy.
- Emphasize the importance of addressing the digital needs of rural communities, including digital literacy training in local languages and access to digital tools.
- Encourage partnerships with telecommunications companies to make internet access affordable and available in rural areas and to collaborate with mobile phone manufacturers to ensure affordable and suitable devices are accessible to citizens.
Key Impact Areas Achieved
1. Climate Resilience
The session highlighted the role of digital technology, such as precision agriculture, in mitigating climate change effects. Attendees gained insights into innovative approaches to adapting agricultural practices to the erratic rainfall patterns caused by climate change. This knowledge is expected to lead to more sustainable and resilient farming methods, ultimately contributing to food security in the state.
2. Economic Empowerment Leveraging the Digital Economy
By emphasizing how technology can improve access to new markets and increase income for farmers, the session set the stage for economic empowerment in Ebonyi State. Attendees left with a better understanding of how e-commerce and digital tools can expand their economic opportunities, thus potentially reducing poverty levels in the region.
3. Digital Inclusion
The project underscored the importance of digital inclusion as a catalyst for overall development. It called for the government’s commitment to policies and frameworks that ensure digital literacy training in local languages and access to digital tools for rural communities. The call for partnerships with telecommunications companies to make the Internet affordable and accessible to rural areas is expected to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusivity.
4. Government Commitment
The State Ministry of Women Affairs expressed its commitment to working with relevant ministries to domesticate the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy. This initiative aims to drive digital inclusion for economic empowerment in Ebonyi State, with a particular focus on women’s participation in the digital economy.
Conclusion
The session on “Unpacking Digital Technology Tools for the Implementation of the Ebonyi State Climate Change Policy Framework” was a resounding success, with participants pledging to contribute to digital inclusion and climate resilience efforts in the state.
This project is poised to have a lasting impact on Ebonyi State by equipping its citizens and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world while building resilience against the effects of climate change.
The commitment of the State Ministry of Women Affairs further strengthens the potential for economic empowerment and gender inclusivity through digital technology adoption. The collaborative efforts of all involved parties are essential to realizing the project’s long-term goals and improving the quality of life for Ebonyi State’s residents.