As part of its commitment to women’s economic empowerment, the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) marked the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a large-scale initiative aimed at transforming the livelihoods of 54,000 underserved women in agro-produce marketing across nine states.
The initiative, which supports widows and street food vendors, seeks to bridge gaps in the agricultural value chain by providing essential resources and fostering financial inclusion. Speaking at the launch event in Kano, Dr. Salamatu Garba, Country Director of the WOFAN-ICON2 Project, emphasized the need for tangible actions to uplift women.
“We must go beyond discussions and take meaningful steps to provide women with confidence, opportunities, and economic independence,” she said.
At the core of the initiative is the distribution of 54,000 bags of rice to small-scale female traders who typically sell less than half a portion of rice daily. Dr. Garba noted that the distribution will take place in three phases to ensure all targeted beneficiaries receive their share.
Read Also: Top 10 African countries with highest number of women in parliaments
The program aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s goal of creating 10 million dignified jobs in Africa by 2030, including one million for Nigerian youth aged 18-35. Beyond rice distribution, WOFAN is integrating these traders into the rice value chain by connecting producers, processors, aggregators, and marketers through its mini-logistics riders initiative.
“This initiative is not just about food aid; it’s about embedding women into a sustainable agricultural cycle that strengthens their businesses and boosts economic independence,” Dr. Garba explained.
A major component of WOFAN’s strategy is integrating women into the formal banking system. In partnership with UBA and other financial institutions, WOFAN has facilitated the opening of 90,000 bank accounts for underprivileged women, providing them with ATM cards and digital payment solutions. Additionally, the introduction of POS systems in marketplaces ensures that female traders can conduct seamless cashless transactions.
“By equipping women with negotiation, marketing, and digital sales skills, we are preparing them to navigate modern financial landscapes and expand their businesses,” Dr. Garba added.
Dr. Garba highlighted WOFAN’s efforts in creating a closed-loop agricultural system. Farmers receive essential inputs such as fertilizer and seeds, cultivate and harvest crops, and women at WOFAN’s processing centers refine the rice using modern equipment. The processed rice is then redistributed to smallholder farmers and traders to stimulate business growth.
“This initiative goes beyond aid—it is a sustainable model that strengthens every segment of the agricultural process,” she stated.
The event was attended by traditional leaders, community representatives, and stakeholders who commended WOFAN’s impact. Professor Sani Miko, Chair of WOFAN’s Technical Advisory Board, emphasized the importance of including marketers in the agricultural value chain.
“WOFAN aims to reach 675,000 farmers and processors in the next five years. However, we have seen that marketers—who are a crucial link in the value chain—are often neglected. This initiative ensures they are empowered,” he said.
Community leaders and beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the support provided by WOFAN, with many pledging to extend assistance to others.