Group empowers 18,000 Bauchi women farmers in crop value chain
The Mennonite Economic Development Associate (MEDA), a non-governmental organisation, says it has empowered about 18,000 women and youths in rice, soybeans and groundnut value chain in Bauchi State.
The Country Manager of the organisation, Ms Fosen Grace said this at a one-day sustainability stakeholders’ meeting in Bauchi on Thursday.
She said the beneficiaries were drawn from seven local government councils of the state to participate in the programme initiated since 2017, adding that the project was funded by the Government of Canada (GAC).
Group empowers 18,000 Bauchi women farmers in crop value chain
According to Grace, other beneficiaries in the MEDA project include fabricators of agricultural equipment for improved packing and processing.
“We impacted 70 per cent of the women while 30 per cent are youths, mostly male.
“We are in the state to support women and youths in agric value chain, people who are already entrepreneurs.
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“MEDA has conducted capacity building for beneficiaries to manage their businesses, provide and link them to have access to financing.
“The project was supposed to last from 2017 to 2022 but because of COVID-19 pandemic it was extended to 2023,” she said.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that MEDA’s project is being implemented in Bauchi, Warji, Toro, Dass, Katagum, Ningi and Jama’are LGAs.
Earlier, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Aminu Hamayyo commended MEDA for the gesture.
He said such interventions contributed to the development of agric chain projects of the state.
Represented by Mr Idris Giade, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Hammayo reiterated commitment of the state government in sustaining such projects.
Hajiya Habiba Usman, Chairperson, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria(FOMWAN), said the project also provided interventions in areas of early and forced marriages.
She suggested that MEDA should involve traditional and religious leaders to further address issues around the girl-child.
Group empowers 18,000 Bauchi women farmers in crop value chain
