The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has successfully completed a comprehensive three-day workshop aimed at enhancing the safety, emergency response, and conflict resolution skills of farmers, agricultural field officers, and media practitioners.
The event, part of the ICON2 Project under the Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) initiative, took place recently with a focus on preventing farm and domestic accidents and fostering peaceful coexistence in rural communities.
Dr. Salamatu Garba, WOFAN’s Country Project Director, emphasized the crucial role of safety in rural environments, particularly for those working in farming and household settings.
“Accidents can occur at any time and in any place, whether it’s on the farm or at home. This training is designed to ensure that all participants, regardless of their position or expertise, are equipped with the knowledge to handle emergencies effectively,” Dr. Garba explained during her opening remarks.
She also announced that WOFAN is in the process of developing an innovative mobile application aimed at improving emergency responses in rural areas.
This app will allow agricultural extension workers to quickly alert local healthcare facilities, road safety authorities, and other emergency services in the event of an accident or crisis.
One of the central components of the workshop was first aid management, with a special focus on training attendees to respond appropriately to both minor and life-threatening injuries before professional help arrives.
Participants were also educated on best practices for preventing accidents on the job, which are a frequent and often overlooked concern for farmers.
Another aspect of the training was a segment on community conflict resolution, particularly addressing the longstanding tensions between crop farmers and livestock herders.
Dr. Garba urged participants, including journalists, to use inclusive and respectful language when reporting on such issues. She specifically pointed to the use of the term “livestock farmers” rather than “herdsmen,” a shift that she believes could promote understanding and contribute to community peace.
“Words have the power to either unite or divide communities. Our aim is to foster peace, not deepen divisions,” Dr. Garba stated.
The training also reinforced WOFAN’s ongoing commitment to improving rural safety and managing risks effectively. Hajiya Maimuna Lawal, WOFAN’s Director of Strategies and Innovation, reiterated the organization’s dedication to empowering communities with the knowledge and tools needed to handle safety challenges in their daily lives.
Petuniya Kefas, a participant from Adamawa, shared how the training had significantly shifted her approach to emergency situations. “Before this workshop, I would not have known how to react in certain emergency scenarios. Now, I feel more confident in my ability to manage these situations and ensure the safety of those around me,” she said.
