The Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has strengthened the capacity of rural women engaged in palm oil processing, gari production, and other agro-food enterprises by equipping them with digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) skills to improve productivity and market access.

According to the organisation, the initiative is expected to enhance food production, increase incomes and expand market opportunities for participants across rural communities.

In a statement issued in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on the sidelines of the programme, YEDIS Founder and Executive Director, Alhaji Rafiu Akinpelu, announced that the organisation’s flagship initiative, “Digital Capacity Building and AI Integration for Rural Women Agribusiness Processors in Nigeria,” has received international recognition after being published on the South-South Galaxy Platform of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

Akinpelu said the UN agency acknowledged the project as a scalable development solution that combines digital technologies, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and agro-food enterprise development to empower rural women and girls while strengthening local food systems.

Speaking on the achievement, he said: “the initiative was Implemented across underserved communities in Osun State and South-West Nigeria,” describing the recognition as a validation of locally driven solutions to global development challenges.

According to him, the programme demonstrates the potential of technology and innovation to tackle poverty, unemployment, gender inequality and food insecurity within rural communities.

“The recognition by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation reinforces our belief that locally designed and community-driven solutions can contribute meaningfully to global development priorities.

“Our experience shows that when rural women are provided with digital skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to productive resources, they become powerful drivers of economic growth, food security, and community resilience.

“The initiative gained international visibility following its presentation during an official session organised by YEDIS at the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF) held in Washington, D.C., in April 2026.

“The session, titled: “Examining How Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture Create Jobs in Developing Countries,” explored practical approaches to leveraging emerging technologies for employment creation and inclusive growth in developing economies”, he stated.

He further noted: “the subsequent implementation of the initiative reflects its commitment to translating global policy discussions into measurable grassroots impact.”

Akinpelu explained that the programme supports several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, zero hunger, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, innovation, reduced inequalities and partnerships for sustainable development.

He also urged government agencies, development partners, private sector organisations and philanthropic institutions to collaborate with YEDIS in expanding the initiative across Osun State, other parts of Nigeria and the African continent.

According to him, increasing rural women’s access to digital skills, artificial intelligence and modern agro-processing technologies presents a significant opportunity to drive inclusive economic growth, create employment opportunities and strengthen food security throughout developing regions.

Source: The Guardian