To mark the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has launched a transformative initiative aimed at boosting the economic prospects of 54,000 underserved women in agro-marketing. The initiative, under WOFAN’s Mini Project, is specifically designed to support widows and street food vendors by bridging gaps in the agricultural value chain and fostering financial inclusion.
Speaking at the event in Kano, WOFAN-ICON2 Country Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, emphasized the need for tangible action over rhetoric.
“We must go beyond just talking and take meaningful steps to uplift women by giving them confidence, opportunities, and economic independence,” she stated.
At the core of this initiative is the distribution of 54,000 bags of rice to small-scale female traders, many of whom typically sell less than half a portion of rice daily across nine targeted states. To ensure efficient distribution, the rice will be delivered in three separate batches.
“By providing this support, WOFAN aims to enhance their business potential, allowing them to expand and diversify their income streams,” Dr. Garba explained.
The initiative aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s mission to create 10 million dignified job opportunities in Africa by 2030, including one million for Nigerian youths aged 18-35.
Beyond rice distribution, WOFAN is integrating beneficiaries into the entire rice value chain—connecting producers, processors, aggregators, mini-agro marketers, and logistics providers through WOFAN’s mini logistics riders initiative.
Traditional leaders, group representatives, and elders present at the event urged recipients to leverage their training and financial inclusion opportunities to grow their businesses.
Bridging gaps in agricultural logistics
A key component of WOFAN’s empowerment model is its newly launched mini logistics project, designed to streamline produce transportation and enhance market access.
Dr. Garba explained WOFAN’s closed-loop system:
“Farmers receive essential inputs like fertilizer and seeds. They cultivate and harvest their crops. 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.”
By addressing gaps in agricultural logistics and empowering women to take ownership of the value chain, WOFAN is demonstrating what accelerated action looks like.
“This initiative goes beyond aid—it is a sustainable model that strengthens every segment of the agricultural process,” she added.
Women are encouraged to reinvest their earnings in other businesses such as egg sales, grinding mills, and vegetable trading.
Financial inclusion for women in agro-marketing
Recognizing the financial exclusion that has long hindered women in business, WOFAN has facilitated financial training in negotiation, marketing, and digital sales, equipping women with essential skills.
“In partnership with UBA and other financial institutions, we have opened 90,000 bank accounts for underprivileged women, enabling them to access ATM cards and engage in seamless cashless transactions,” Dr. Garba revealed.
To further support financial security, WOFAN introduced POS systems in marketplaces, ensuring smooth payment processes for traders.
“This is not just about distributing rice; it’s about creating an ecosystem where women can build sustainable livelihoods and gain economic independence,” she concluded.
Experts laud WOFAN’s commitment to women’s empowerment
Professor Sani Miko, Chair of WOFAN’s Technical Advisory Board, highlighted the initiative’s inclusivity:
“WOFAN is working to target 675,000 farmers and processors in the next five years. However, we discovered that agro-marketers—an essential link in the agricultural value chain—are often left out. This initiative ensures they are included and supported.”
He praised Dr. Garba’s unwavering dedication, urging beneficiaries to pray for her during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Every time she calls me, the first thing she asks is, ‘Professor, what more can we do to help people?’ That is always our conversation. Finding a woman like her is rare,” he said.
Khadija Dogon Bauchi expressed gratitude for Dr. Garba’s relentless efforts:
“She has been a pillar of support for women like us, ensuring that we have better job opportunities and financial stability. We are truly grateful.”
Bala Abdullahi, Chairman of WOFAN’s Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) group in Kano, echoed similar sentiments:
“Dr. Garba’s efforts have given us hope and opportunities we never imagined. We sincerely pray for her continued good health and success.”
Abdulmajid Yahuza Sulaiman, Chairman of Kano Logistics Loaders under WOFAN, pledged to extend support to others:
“The impact WOFAN has had on our lives is beyond words. We are determined to pay it forward by assisting those in need within our communities.”
Through this initiative, WOFAN is not only celebrating International Women’s Day but also setting a precedent for action-driven empowerment strategies that uplift women across Nigeria.
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