In the field of aquaculture, an industry traditionally dominated by men, an extraordinary female farmer, Hajia Ramat Omosanya, founder of Toke’s Farm, serves as a beacon of inspiration. Her remarkable journey not only demonstrates the power of determination and dedication, but also highlights the transformative potential of women’s inclusion.
Hajia Ramat Omosanya, like many of us, found herself grappling with the boredom and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She needed an escape and found a way to channel her energy and creativity into something meaningful. She ventured into the world of farming, a decision that changed her life forever, thanks to her heart and a good friend.
Her journey began with just two modest ponds, a small step that ultimately led to an epic transformation. What started as a way to escape the monotony of lockdowns and restrictions quickly became a passionate quest. Hajia Ramat, with her unwavering determination, has transformed these two ponds into a thriving aquaponics system producing fish and rice on the farm.
Today, when you step onto his farm, you are greeted by the sight of 28 stunning ponds, each teeming with life. The growth and expansion of his farm are simply remarkable and are a testament to his hard work, resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.
However, Hajia Ramat Omosanya’s story is not just about fish farming; it is about breaking down gender barriers and embracing technology to revolutionise traditional practices. Her story is a tale of destiny and passion coming together.
Members of the Artificial Intelligence for Women in Aquaculture (AI4WA) team visited the farm and recognised its potential and the impact it could have on the local community. The AI4WA team saw an opportunity to collaborate, combining Hajia’s practical experience with cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies.
This partnership marks the start of a new chapter in his agricultural career, a chapter that will redefine and reshape the industry, opening up a world of endless possibilities.
This research project, funded by the Gender Responsive Artificial Intelligence Network (GRAIN), aims to introduce AI into aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa. The main objective of this GRAIN-funded project is to encourage more women to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by actively involving them in AI-based aquaculture research. This initiative aims to break down gender barriers and inspire the next generation of female scientists and technologists in the field of aquaculture.
Beyond promoting gender equality, this partnership is committed to unlocking women’s potential in terms of skills and national development. Hence the need to introduce Hajia to the world of Artificial Intelligence and its applications in aquaculture. With the institution’s support, she will discover the power of AI-based solutions for monitoring and managing fish ponds more effectively. Remote sensing, data analysis and predictive algorithms form an integral part of the aquaculture system.
Professor AM Aibinu, principal investigator and vice-chancellor of Summit University in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, emphasised during the visit that adopting technology to revolutionise traditional practices is not limited to fish farming, but also to breaking down gender barriers. AI will play a central role in making aquaculture more sustainable by optimising resource use and minimising environmental impact. He further emphasised that universities at the forefront of AI in aquaculture have the opportunity to lead the development of environmentally friendly aquaculture solutions by attracting environmentally conscious students and researchers, thereby strengthening the industry’s sustainability.
During the visit, the co-researcher, Ms Mutiat Muhammed, emphasised that integrating AI into aquaculture, with a focus on women, would contribute to diversity, inclusion, sustainability and innovation in the aquaculture sector. According to her, this is essential for a more equitable and prosperous future.
Other members of the AI4WA team present during the visit to Toke’s farm included Nafisat Lawal, Maryam Afolabi, Malik Ige, Salawudeen Aminah, Mr Yusuf Sholola and Mr Taiwo Ogundeyi.
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