As digital transformation reshapes industries worldwide, a team from the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has attended a three-day AI awareness and sensitization training in Dubai.
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Organized by Prospects Development Services, the training aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and explore its integration into workplaces as a stepping stone to sustaining future jobs and opportunities.
SolaceBase correspondent who was part of the team reports that the event, held from January 25th to 27th, 2024, brought together participants from six countries—Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Ethiopia.
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Discussions focused on the application of AI in sustainable agriculture and food security, particularly through e-extension services, a digital approach that Nigeria is actively promoting to enhance farming practices.
Speaking at the event, WOFAN-ICON2 Project Country Director and United Nations Peace Ambassador, Dr. Salamatu Garba, emphasized that the training aligns with WOFAN-ICON2 Project objectives to promoting sustainable, transparent and inclusive solutions to women and farmers’ livelihood improvement needs.
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She noted that the training gave participants a deeper understanding of AI and also realize their live dreams of integrating emerging technologies into their workplaces and communities.
“The sessions provided an opportunity for the WOFAN team to engage with experts on how AI-powered e-extension services can improve agricultural productivity, streamline resource management, and provide real-time solutions for farmers,” Dr. Garba stated.
“The program also highlighted the importance of youth participation in AI-driven innovations, stressing that acquiring digital skills will be crucial in securing future employment.”
She also shared her personal journey with AI, revealing that she initially skeptical with reservations about the technology.
However, her perspective has evolved, and she now sees AI’s transformative potential, particularly in rural communities to promote more effective e-extension services.
“I plan to incorporate AI, robotics, and management into the curriculum of our community-based schools.
This will give young people in rural areas access to cutting-edge knowledge and skills,” she explained, expressing hope that this initiative will inspire other institutions to adopt similar innovations.
In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer,Prospects Development Services, Mr. Bayode Hambolu, commended WOFAN’s forward-thinking approach to AI adoption.
AI specialist and consultant, Dr. Katarina Beta, one of the key resource persons at the training, provided insights into the opportunities and challenges AI presents in today’s job market.
According to Dr Beta, AI is creating new opportunities in fields such as data analysis, programming, robotics engineering, healthcare, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and precision agriculture
However, she also warned of disruptions in traditional roles, particularly in clerical work, administrative jobs, manufacturing, customer service, retail, and transportation.
She urged participants to embrace AI as a tool for social and economic progress, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and upskilling to remain relevant in an AI-driven world.
The training covered a wide range of topics, including understanding the AI ecosystem, machines and strategies learned for implementing AI in organizations.
Each session combined theoretical knowledge with practical group activities, fostering collaboration and innovation among participants.
A highlight of the program was a study tour of Dubai’s Museum of the Future, a globally recognized hub for technological advancements.
The museum provided an interactive experience, showcasing cutting-edge developments in AI, robotics, and sustainability.
Participants explored groundbreaking ideas, such as intelligent systems for daily life enhancement and innovative tools addressing global challenges, further deepening their appreciation of AI’s potential to drive development and improve livelihoods.
Several participants who spoke to SolaceBase expressed appreciation for the training, stating that the knowledge gained will be instrumental in their respective fields.
They noted that the program broke barriers and built bridges across the six participating countries, fostering international collaboration in AI adoption.
With AI rapidly transforming industries worldwide, WOFAN’s engagement in the Dubai training underscores its dedication to innovation, agricultural advancement, and digital empowerment, ensuring that Nigerian farmers and Agripreneurs remain at the forefront of global technological advancements.
Solace Base