WOFAN, UK partner empower youths with AI, EI skills to drive job creation, food security
The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has expanded its global capacity-building initiatives with a high-impact international training programme held in Istanbul, Turkey.
The training aimed at equipping youths and development practitioners with practical skills in Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance inclusive decision-making, strengthen food systems, and promote modern job creation.
SolaceBase reports that the five-day programme, which ran from January 26 to 30, 2026, was organised by WOFAN under the new international portfolio of the WOFAN Group Board leadership role of Dr Salamatu Garba in collaboration with Prospect Development Services – UK.
It brought together members of WOFAN’s board, professional partners and management, alongside participants from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Arab region, for intensive hands-on training, live demonstrations, and collaborative innovation sessions.
Delivering a keynote address, WOFAN Group Executive Board Chair and United Nations (UN- POLAC) Peace Ambassador, Dr. Salamatu Garba, said the training represents a strategic investment in the future of youth-led development and institutional sustainability that aims at preparing them to remain relevant to the future generations’ workspaces in the wake of rapid innovation and technology transformation.
“This training is not just about learning new tools; it is about preparing WOFAN and our young people for the future of work. We are deliberately strengthening emotional intelligence alongside artificial intelligence so that technology is guided by empathy, ethics, and purpose,” she said.
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Dr Garba explained that with WOFAN’s upgrade to join global and International advocate to magnify the voices and the empowerment of Women youths, and Persons with disability WOFAN’s long-term vision will continue to build a self-sustaining ecosystem of professional services driven by internal capacity that encourages innovation and supports start-up initiatives that depend solely on external dependence and white-collar jobs.
“Very soon, many professional services will be created within WOFAN itself because of the skills we are developing with our professional associates and collaborators insha Allah and hopefully we will target combining creativity, leadership, and technology that hopefully would be enhancing the efficacy of blending positive use of artificial intelligence and blending with emotional intelligence to deliver better services to families and communities,” she added.
She further noted that the choice of Turkey was deliberate, given the country’s advances in AI, robotics, and digital innovation.
On her part, the WOFAN Gender Lead, Hajia Maryam Lawal, stated that, “Here, we have seen how robotics, real-time data systems, and AI-driven platforms can transform learning, record-keeping, and service delivery. Knowledge that once took months to acquire can now be applied within days, and that is critical for our graduates and young professionals.”
Highlighting outcomes from the practical sessions, she said digital platforms developed by participants would be fully integrated into WOFAN’s operations and encourage a space for young women, youths and people with disabilities to interface on and become more relevant for dignified jobs and opportunities, which is in line with the Mastercard Foundation and the WOFAN-ICON2 vision.
On the practical implications for women in agriculture, Hajia Maryam further stressed that the visit to the AI Museum in Istanbul was particularly impactful. “Seeing robots in action helped us understand how technology can reduce the physical burden on women farmers.
From processing to farm operations, robotics can save time, reduce stress, and increase productivity, especially for rural women,” she explained.
“Speaking from a technical and advisory perspective, the Chairman of the Technical Board of Advisors for the WOFAN-ICON2 Project, Professor Sani Miko, described the training as both timely and transformative.
“Artificial intelligence has become a global gateway for innovation and income generation. This training has opened our eyes to how AI can simplify development processes and improve advisory services,” he said.
Professor Miko emphasised the value of diversity and collaboration during the programme.
”Participants came from different countries and professional backgrounds, and that exchange of ideas is one of the biggest strengths of this training. These relationships must continue beyond Istanbul, and we are committed to cascading this knowledge when we return home,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Prospect Development Services, Mr Bayode Hambolu, represented by the Project Coordinator, Moin Jan, said the training was designed to address global skills gaps among young professionals.
“Bringing emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence together is intentional. Technology without human understanding is incomplete. We currently have about 45 participants, including interns from more than eight countries, all at different stages of their AI and software development journeys,” he said.
According to him, the programme created opportunities for young innovators to learn from WOFAN’s extensive experience in agriculture and development while contributing new, technology-driven solutions.
“This is how job creation begins-by combining established development models with fresh, AI-powered ideas from the new generation,” he noted.
One of the facilitators, Dr George Tsaramirsis, who led sessions on AI integration, decision-making, and future trends, said participants were exposed to a wide range of practical applications.
“We moved from theory to real-world implementation. Participants developed videos, images, applications, and even games using AI tools, many of them directly linked to agriculture and WOFAN’s work,” he said.
He added that the training also explored monetisation strategies.
“We showed participants how AI can generate income through awareness games, digital content, social media platforms, robotics, IoT systems, and farm-monitoring solutions that can be deployed immediately,” he explained.
Another facilitator, Maria Older, focused on emotional intelligence and relationship management in complex organisations.
“As AI advances, emotional intelligence becomes even more critical. WOFAN’s strength lies in its diversity, and understanding how to manage different personalities and communication styles is essential for long-term success,” she said.
She noted that participants used the DISC model to identify their dominant communication styles, compliance, steadiness, and influence-thereby enhancing self-awareness and improving teamwork.
Participants also shared personal reflections on the training. Khadija Sabir from Pakistan described the experience as deeply inspiring.
“I learned how AI can be used creatively, from posters to digital designs. But beyond the tools, the vision behind WOFAN’s work is what truly moved me. Dr. Salamatu Garba’s leadership and generosity left a lasting impression on me,” she said.
Similarly, Omar Albarghouthi from Jordan said the programme reshaped his understanding of both technology and self-development.
“The emotional intelligence sessions helped me understand my personality and strengths. WOFAN’s commitment to women, farmers, and communities is impressive, and I hope to contribute my skills to support its mission,” he said.
The training is expected to enhance self-reliance, boost productivity, and enable participants to develop scalable solutions that respond to evolving workforce and market needs.
WOFAN reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international partnerships that empower youth and advance sustainable development outcomes.
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