In an admirable effort to empower women and support economic development, the Bauchi State witnessed a commendable initiative on Tuesday, as the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation distributed 6,000 noiler birds to 300 women farmers. This substantial step towards enhancing livelihoods and promoting poultry production highlights the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting the region and empowering its female population. Oludare Odusanya, the foundation’s General Manager, emphasized through a statement conveyed by Mr. Sadiq Maina-Waziri that every recipient is entitled to an allocation of 20 poultry, accompanied by a 25kg feed bag and 100 grams of multivitamins.
The ultimate goal of this extensive assistance program is to provide women with all the essential tools and materials they need to actively participate in poultry farming. This, in turn, will help cultivate a sense of self-reliance, strength, and financial autonomy within the community. According to Odusanya, the impact of poultry farming goes far beyond financial stability. It plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and developing a strong social fabric. Odusanya envisions empowering the women of Bauchi State through the provision of resources, knowledge, and skills to establish prosperous businesses that will benefit the entire community.
Initiative has already reached 1.3m people across 36 states.
Since its establishment in 2002, the foundation has demonstrated its strong dedication to agricultural interventions, evident through a remarkable expenditure of more than N1.2 billion. Over the years, this initiative has reached an impressive number of 1.3 million beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Such a significant investment not only showcases the foundation’s commitment but also emphasizes its relentless efforts towards promoting sustainable development and fostering economic growth throughout Nigeria.
Mr. Simon Yalams, the Commissioner for Agriculture in Bauchi State, expressed his appreciation for the foundation’s endeavors, highlighting their resonance with the agricultural revitalization program implemented by the state government. Yalams assured unwavering government backing and a commitment to working hand in hand with collaborators in order to revolutionize agriculture, foster economic prosperity, and provide empowerment opportunities to the youth and women of the state. He disclosed that the state government had successfully imparted knowledge about Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to 1,000 young individuals through a joint effort with development partners.
Dr. Maina stressed the need for hygiene, sanitation and proper feeding.
Additionally, they allocated fertilizers, seeds, and inputs to 3,000 farmers intending to engage in agricultural activities during both the rainy and dry seasons. Meanwhile, Dr. Umar Maina, representing ECO-lead Imperial Engineering & Global Resource Limited, the project’s implementing partners, provided valuable insights on poultry best practices to the beneficiaries. He emphasized the importance of good hygiene, sanitation, and proper feeding to ensure the birds’ healthy growth to maturity. Rufkatu Musa, one of the recipients, sincerely appreciated the kind act and emphasized how it has the power to greatly enhance the recipients’ social and economic welfare. These initiatives have a far-reaching effect that extends past just distributing resources, creating a ripple effect that aids in the holistic growth of the community.
Partnerships like this are essential in building a sustainable and prosperous future for Bauchi State as it progresses in its agricultural transformation. Also, empowering female farmers in the state is imperative for several compelling reasons. Women play a pivotal role in agriculture, constituting a significant portion of the agricultural labour force. By empowering them with resources and knowledge, the entire agricultural sector stands to benefit from increased productivity and efficiency. Recognizing and supporting the contributions of female farmers can lead to improved food security and economic stability, as women often reinvest their income in their families and communities.
A crucial step towards gender equality and social development.
Finally, it is a crucial step towards gender equality and social development. Access to resources and opportunities has historically been unequal, with women facing systemic barriers in agriculture. By providing them with the tools and support needed to engage in poultry production and other agricultural activities, these women can break free from traditional constraints. This empowerment not only enhances their economic standing but also fosters a more inclusive and equitable society, where women are recognized as vital contributors to the agricultural and economic landscape of Bauchi State. The ripple effect of empowering female farmers extends beyond the individual, positively impacting families, communities, and the broader societal fabric.
Related Link
British American Tobacco: Website
