Women farmers in Jigawa have praised the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) for implementing the rice value chain programme in the state.
The programme, in partnership with the Jigawa government, aims to boost rice processing in Kwalam, Chuwasu, and Kanya communities in Gwaram, Taura, and Buji Local Government Areas.
The state government contributed N140 million to accelerate the programme’s implementation in the participating communities.
A cross-section of farmers expressed their views on Thursday in separate interviews with reporters.
Mrs. Sadiya Abdullahi, one of the beneficiaries, said the organisation’s interventions had transformed rice processing from a subsistence activity into an organized and profitable venture.
She explained that the programme provided processing equipment, technical support, and training to farmer groups, promoting better processing practices.
Abdullahi, a member of the Chuwasu Women Rice Producers Group, noted that the intervention reduced drudgery and improved the quality of the grains, leading to increased turnover.
Another farmer, Rabi Ibrahim, said that technological support had minimized the cumbersome processes involved in rice processing.
She recalled that they previously spent hours cleaning, parboiling, drying, and processing rice manually.
“The new machines have reduced stress and saved time. We can now process larger quantities without relying solely on manual labor,” she said.
Ibrahim added that improved processing capacity enhanced the appearance and marketability of local varieties.
She called for more machines to establish additional mills and encourage wider participation in the programme.
Zainab Sani and Hauwa Abdullahi stated that the initiative had created opportunities for women to become financially independent.
Sani noted that increased income from rice processing enabled women to support their children’s education and meet household needs.
“We appreciate Sasakawa and the state government for this support because it has helped us,” she said.
Abdullahi said the intervention had improved rice processing and boosted productivity.
“Now, we can process more rice in a shorter time and produce cleaner, higher-quality rice that attracts customers,” she explained.
Amina Musa added that the intervention had rekindled hope in rice processing as a viable business.
“Previously, many of us believed rice processing couldn’t support our families. But with the equipment and knowledge gained, we now see it as an income-generating activity,” she said.
Similarly, Fatima Umar and Maryam Adamu emphasized the need for effective training in processing, packaging, and marketing, noting that rice production alone was not enough to maximize economic benefits.
Umar stated that improved processing would benefit everyone—farmers, processors, traders, and consumers.
She praised the programme for enhancing women’s understanding of hygiene, quality control, and business management.
“Women are now more conscious of producing rice that can compete with imported ones,” Adamu added.
She called for skills development programmes to expose women to modern packaging, branding, and better access to markets, finance, storage facilities, electricity, and water.
Adamu expressed optimism that sustained investment in the agricultural value chain would reduce poverty and improve the social and economic status of rural women.
