Driving Local Solutions for Energy Transition at State Level: A Pilot Project in Gombe State
By: Desmond Dogara Bardeson
Clean Technology Hub (CTH) is excited to announce a groundbreaking project titled “Driving Local Solutions for Energy Transition at State Level” managed by Bardeson Dogara Desmond. This initiative, funded by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung (HBS), aims to empower women smallholder farmers and SMEs in Gombe State, Nigeria, by working with community women to increase their knowledge about RE solutions and their economic and social benefits. The project further seeks to develop through a participatory process, a community cooperative model aimed at providing access to energy, reducing energy poverty and building financially sustainable operating models through Productive Use Renewable Energy (PURE) solution through small scale agriculture, and enabling them to infuse their needs and ideas into policy making processes at local level.
Agricultural Diversity and Crop Preferences Among Smallholder Farmers in Gombe
The agricultural landscape in Gombe exhibits a rich diversity, with smallholder farmers (SHFs) predominantly cultivating maize, cowpea, and rice. Maize, the most prevalent crop, accounts for 28% of the crop cultivation, followed by cowpea at 25%, and rice at 12%. This diverse crop portfolio, which also includes soybean (11%), sorghum (7%), and groundnut (7%), reflects SHFs’ balanced approach towards ensuring food security, meeting dietary needs, and maximizing economic potential. The adaptability of SHFs to various climatic and market conditions is evident in their cultivation choices, highlighting their resilience and strategic crop preferences.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
CTH is thrilled with the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs in Gombe State. These women are making significant strides in various sectors, including Zia Spices Global, Altex Fantastic Multiservices Nigeria Limited, Centre for Microenterprise Development LTD, Faida Community Development Development Initiative, the Motherhen development foundation, Foundation for Youth Awakening Empowerment, Concern Mind for Environment, Health and Community Initiatives, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises just to mention a few. Their dedication and innovation are inspiring and further demonstrate the potential of women-led enterprises in driving economic growth and sustainability.
Project Goals
The primary goal of this project is to equip women farmers in rural Nigerian communities, specifically in Gombe State, with the knowledge and tools they need to harness the benefits of renewable energy. By the end of the project, these women will have gained:
- Knowledge about Renewable Energy: Understanding the positive impact of reliable renewable energy solutions on their farming practices and daily lives.
- Organizational Skills: Learning how to organize themselves to make renewable energy solutions accessible and affordable.
- Economic Empowerment: Enhancing their economic activities through the use of sustainable energy sources, leading to increased productivity and income.
Pilot Project in Gombe State
The pilot project in Gombe State is a testament to CTH’s commitment to fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level. By focusing on women smallholder farmers and SMEs, the project aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit entire communities. The success of this pilot will serve as a model for similar initiatives across Nigeria and beyond.
CTH is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey, working hand in hand with women Smallholders farmers and entrepreneurs to build a brighter, more sustainable future.
Clean Technology Hub is Nigeria’s premier and pioneer hybrid hub focused on the advancement of Energy Access, Climate Change, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship across Africa through a number of key activities, including research and market analysis, policy and strategy advisory, training, and advocacy. Clean Technology Hub is also an innovative incubator and accelerator for early start-ups in clean energy and sustainable development.
Founded in 2016 and based in Abuja, their goal is to build ecosystems and Communities of Practice that influence innovations and address energy poverty, climate change, and sustainable economic development in Africa.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project and the incredible impact it is making in Gombe State.
