By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
A team of scholars in the field of poultry production has converged in the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for a Day Workshop to further forge a way in gender dynamics in West African family poultry production systems.
The One-day Workshop was in collaboration with the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany, as well as the University of Ghana and the University of Togo.
It was held at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), with the theme, “Gender Dynamics in West African Family Poultry Production Systems, and Implications for Intensification.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde with the FUNAAB’s top officials and the visiting scholars when they paid a Courtesy Visit to the Vice-Chancellor
In his Introductory Remarks, the Project Coordinator, Dr. Emmanuel Oke observed the significance of the initiative, saying that the funding opportunity had fostered the collaboration between Sub-Saharan African Researchers and their counterparts in Germany.
Dr. Oke outlined the structured approach of the initiative, which involved two phases: initial networking through scientific posters followed by collaborative research proposals.
He noted that the Workshop emerged as a successful outcome of this collaborative effort, highlighting the commitment to fostering scientific cooperation.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde addressing participants at the Workshop
Recognising the pivotal role of family poultry production in West Africa’s socio-economic fabric, Dr. Oke underscored its contribution to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. He, however, stated the necessity of acknowledging and addressing gender disparities within these systems.
According to him, “Women and men often assume distinct roles in poultry farming, yet equitable distribution remains elusive.”
During the Workshop, esteemed experts such as Emeritus Prof. Olufunmilayo Adebambo who owns the patent to the first improved indigenous chicken breed called “FUNAAB Alpha” and the Head of Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (AERD), Prof. Petra Abdulsalam- Saghir offered invaluable insights into indigenous poultry breeds and gender-sensitive agricultural extension practices.
The Project Coordinator, Dr. Emmanuel Oke while giving his Introductory Remarks at the Workshop
The Director, Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), Prof. Jacob Olaoye alongside other prominent figures emphasised the importance of translating research findings into actionable strategies for farmers.
Dr. Juliet Kariuki from Germany, shed light on empirical research methodologies to understand gender dynamics in poultry farming, while Dr. Eric Nyarko from Ghana introduced potential experimental designs.
Dr. Abidi Bilalissi from Togo provided insights into the current status of family poultry production in the region, underscoring the need for context-specific interventions.
Earlier in his Opening Remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde reiterated the University’s commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice.
While declaring the Workshop opened, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the pivotal role of stakeholders, particularly farmers, in shaping agricultural sustainability.
Emeritus Prof. Olufunmilayo Adebambo making salient points at the Workshop
Meanwhile, the team had paid the Vice-Chancellor a Courtesy Visit in the Office before proceeding to the CEADESE for the Workshop.
Overall, the Workshop served as a platform for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.
By unpacking gender dynamics in West African poultry farming, participants paved the way for inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in the region.
