No fewer than 100 women fish farmers from riverine communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have received training on modern fish farming methods.
The live demonstration programme, called Female Prep, was organized by the Aquaworld Community Development Initiative (ACDI) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Facility – Small Grants Programme.
At the training in Ilaje, ACDI Programme Manager, Mr. Olagboye Olasukanmi, said the initiative was part of the Climate-Resilient Fisheries Project, funded by UNDP.
He explained that women from Ajegunle, Enu, Ama, and Okesiri communities were selected for the programme. They were taught practical skills in artificial fish breeding, fish processing, and other aquaculture techniques.
“The goal is to help women and young girls in fishing communities improve their household income, encourage gender inclusion in fisheries, secure food supplies, and cope better with climate change,” Olasukanmi said.
He noted that the two-day workshop was hands-on, giving participants not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to apply what they learned in their communities.
“The Female Prep builds on the first phase of the project, which helped communities face climate change by using local knowledge and strategies to make fisheries more resilient,” he added.
Olasukanmi praised UNDP GEF-SGP and other partners for supporting the programme.
One of the trainers, Mrs. Blessing Oguntokun, explained that the sessions were designed with the women in mind.
“We used their local language and simplified the training materials so everyone could understand and benefit. The response was very encouraging,” she said.
A participant, Mrs. Oluwatoyin from Okesiri community, expressed her excitement. “I learnt artificial catfish breeding and processing. I am very grateful to the organizers for this opportunity,” she said.
