Kaduna: Team HEDA has emerged victorious at an all-female Hackathon on Rangeland Innovation and Data Science. Team CODE secured the second position, while Team HARDATAI clinched third place in the recently concluded event in Kaduna.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Omeva Consulting, a firm specialized in data science and communication across Africa, hosted the hackathon to position women in rangeland innovation and data science. The initiative was supported by the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria and the Spanish Cooperation Office, as part of their broader commitment to scientific diplomacy and international collaboration.
Speaking at the closing of the event, Maria de la Puerta, Chief Executive Officer of Omeva Consulting, emphasized the goal of placing women and data science at the center of policy-making for the livestock sector. She highlighted that the event, which began on June 26 with 30 participants, set a new standard for understanding rangeland, data, and gender inclusion. Beyond technical training and skills development, the hackathon aimed to amplify the visibility of Nigerian women in data science, showcasing their potential as innovators and leaders in sustainable rangeland management.
Puerta noted that informed policy decisions require data, yet rangelands, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, are often excluded from the data revolution that has transformed agricultural crop management. This gap limits the development of sustainable policies and solutions for livestock and pastoralist communities. She added that women remain underrepresented in both data science and policy-making, despite their critical role in shaping resilient food systems. The absence of women’s insights may lead to policies that overlook key gendered and community-specific perspectives.
Eva Barta, Cultural Advisor at the Embassy of Spain, stated that their participation in the all-female hackathon was to promote women’s empowerment, sustainable development, and Agenda 2030 priorities. Barta remarked that the event showcased Spain’s commitment to inclusive solutions for global challenges, highlighting the potential of data and digital technologies to improve quality of life and safety, especially in sensitive topics like pastoralism and rangelands in Nigeria.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, represented by Amwe Akos, Deputy Director of Livestock Service, expressed that the hackathon was a timely innovation for the livestock sector. He mentioned their openness to partnerships and data sharing, hoping the hackathon’s outcome would inform policy formulation. Dabo urged participants to utilize the generated data-driven solutions for self-development and societal growth.
Naomi Bitrus-David, Project Manager of the hackathon, thanked participants and partners, emphasizing the importance of data, collaboration, and people in driving meaningful work. She expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria and partners for their support, and to jurors, mentors, and volunteers for their ingenuity and commitment. Bitrus-David believed the ideas generated would shape conversations, drive implementation, and inspire other women.
Participant Hadiza Ismail, a member of Team HEDA, shared her intention to use her data analytics skills to contribute to solving global problems. She encouraged other women to embrace diversity, learn, and take on new challenges, emphasizing the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones.
The hackathon, tagged ‘Women Transform Rangelands’, combined virtual and in-person activities, including training, mentorship, expert seminars, and collaborative solution-building. The grand finale featured the presentation of gifts and cheques to the winners.
