By Muhammad Amaan
The World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by Self Help Africa, has launched a solar drying hub in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.
The move was aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, strengthening food systems and creating employment opportunities for youths and women.
The Country Director of Self Help Africa, Mrs Joy Aderele, said at the inauguration on Thursday in Kura that the facility was designed to address post-harvest losses and improve income for farmers in the horticulture value chain.
She said Kura remained a major hub for tomatoes, peppers, onions and other vegetables that supply markets across Kano and beyond, but said that farmers often suffered losses due to poor storage and market glut.
Mrs Aderele explained that the solar-powered drying technology would enable farmers and young entrepreneurs to preserve produce, extend shelf life and add market value.
According to her, the hub is expected to support more than 5,000 youths and create direct employment opportunities within the community.
She commended WFP and the Mastercard Foundation for supporting youth empowerment and strengthening food systems through innovative interventions.
Also speaking, WFP Representative, Mrs Esther Ogundari, appreciated community leaders and stakeholders for supporting the project, urging young farmers, especially women, to maximise the opportunities provided by the facility to boost productivity and income.
The Senior Programme Manager, Self Help Africa, Kano, Hajiya Hajara Mohammed, said the project, valued at N100 million, was designed to reduce post-harvest losses in horticultural produce.
Hajiya Hajara said the hub comprised solar and UV dryers capable of drying tomatoes within four to six hours and one to two days respectively.
She added that the facility could dry up to three tonnes of tomatoes daily and was projected to reduce post-harvest losses by about 50 per cent.
She said the project would operate as a community-based commercial service managed by cooperative groups to ensure sustainability.
The Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk-Ibrahim, represented by Rabiu Dahiru-Iliyasu, commended Self Help Africa for the initiative, describing it as a major boost to agricultural development in the state.
Also, the Chairman of Kura Local Government, Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman, commended Self Help Africa, for implementing the project.
Similarly, the District Head of Kura, Alhaji Lamido Abubakar-Bayero, said the project would help preserve farm produce and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
The event featured practical demonstrations on cutting and drying tomatoes using the facility.
