Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy Launches SunDry Pilot Solar-Dryers to Tackle 46% Postharvest Loss in Jama’are Community
A new innovative initiative whose goal is to empower smallholder farmers and combating food waste was officially launched on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, by Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy student and teacher`s team in Jama’are community.
SunDry, the pilot Solar-Dryer project, an innovation of the Academy, is designed to provide local farmers with an affordable, hygienic, and efficient method for drying perishable produce such as tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
The event was graced by the presence of Alhaji Sunusi Abubakar, who represented the Executive Chairman of Jama’are Local Government, the main host community. In his opening address, Alhaji Abubakar commended the Academy for its grassroots innovation. “This Solar-Dryer project is a testament to the fact that solutions to our local problems can be developed within our community,” stated Alhaji Abubakar. Jama’are Local Government is proud to associate with this initiative, which directly addresses the critical issue of postharvest losses that have plagued our farmers for years. We urge our farmers to embrace this technology.”
The principal lead of Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy, Abdulmalik Sadisu, PhD highlighted the project’s potential impact. “Currently, our farmers lose nearly half of their perishable harvests to spoilage. This solar-dryer is a practical, low-cost solution. It protects the produce from dust and pests, dries it faster than traditional methods, and preserves nutritional value, ultimately increasing farmers’ income and food security in Jama’are. We genuinely appreciate the financial support of the Zayed Sustainability Prize for supporting our innovators to solve challenges our farmers face”.
The launch featured a live demonstration of the solar-dryer in operation, allowing farmers and community leaders to witness the technology firsthand. The project is now entering its pilot phase, where selected local farmers are trained on its use to validate its effectiveness and benefits.
About Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy:
Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy is an institution committed to academic excellence and community development. Through practical, community-oriented projects, the Academy seeks to equip students and the wider community with skills and technologies to solve pressing local challenges.
