IWD: WOFAN empowers 54,000 women in agro- produce marketing across nine states with rice distribution initiative to boost family income 

The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has marked 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the economic prospects of 54,000 underserved women in agro-marketing under its Mini project initiative to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD).

This effort, which includes widows and street food vendors, seeks to bridge the gap in the agricultural value chain by providing critical resources and financial inclusion opportunities.

Speaking at the event on Saturday in Kano, the Country Director WOFAN- ICON2 Project, Dr. Salamatu Garba, emphasized the importance of moving beyond discussions to tangible action.

“We must go beyond just talking and take meaningful steps to uplift women by giving them confidence, opportunities, and economic independence,” she stated.

SolaceBase reports that at the heart of this 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 per day across the nine targeted states of WOFAN.

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Dr Salamatu reiterates that the total rice value will be carried out in three separate batches to ensure it reaches all the targeted food vendors and agro-marketers. “ By providing this support, WOFAN aims to enhance their business potential, allowing them to expand and diversify their income streams.

“The initiative aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s mission to create 10 million dignified job opportunities in Africa by 2030, including opportunities for one million Nigerian youths aged between  18-35,” Dr. Garba noted.

Beyond rice distribution, WOFAN is pioneering a holistic approach to women’s empowerment by integrating these traders into entire rice value chain structure and make a cycle of marketing linkages between the producers, processors, aggregates, the mini- agro marketers as well as the WOFAN mini logistic riders initiative, thereby magnifying a sustainable agricultural cycle.

The occasion was graced by traditional leaders, group representatives, collaborators and Elders who all congratulated and advised the recipients of the inking grant on putting into practice the skills and knowledge learnt from their training with WOFAN and the financial inclusion opportunity WOFAN laid down by linking them to financial institutions

A critical component of WOFAN’s initiative is its newly launched mini logistics project, designed to help farmers transport their produce efficiently to the market.

Dr. Garba highlighted how WOFAN has successfully created a closed-loop system: this should be another news story to give it relevance.

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“Farmers received essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and seeds. They cultivated and harvested their crops. Women at WOFAN’s processing centers refined the rice using modern equipment. The processed rice is now being 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 truly looks like.

“This initiative goes beyond aid—it is a sustainable model that strengthens every segment of the agricultural process,” Dr. Garba stated.

She noted that beneficiaries could reinvest their earnings into other business ventures, such as purchasing eggs, grinding mills, or expanding into vegetable sales.

Recognizing that financial exclusion has long been a barrier for women in business, WOFAN has taken significant steps to integrate them into the formal banking system. Through targeted training in negotiation, marketing, and digital sales, WOFAN is equipping women with the skills needed to navigate modern financial landscapes.

“In partnership with UBA and other financial institutions, we have facilitated the opening of 90,000 bank accounts for underprivileged women, enabling them to access ATM cards and engage in seamless cashless transactions,” Dr. Garba revealed.

She added that the introduction of POS systems in marketplaces further ensures that these women can receive payments efficiently, thereby enhancing financial security and ease of doing business.

Dr. Garba underscored that every aspect of WOFAN’s initiative—from agricultural support to financial inclusion—is interconnected.

“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.

On his part, WOFAN’s Technical Advisory Board Chair, Professor Sani Miko, said, “WOFAN is working to target  675,000 farmers and processors in the next five years; however, it has discovered that the marketers—who are an essential link in the agricultural value chain—are often left out. This initiative ensures they are included and supported.’’

He commended Dr. Garba for her unwavering dedication to supporting the less privileged. He urged beneficiaries to use the holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity to pray for her.

“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. He encouraged beneficiaries to extend help to those in need whenever possible.

Hajiya Khadija Dogon Bauchi praised Dr. Garba for her tireless commitment to empowering women.

“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,” she expressed.

Bala Abdullahi, the Chairman of WOFAN’s Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) group in Kano, also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the PWDs.

“Dr. Garba’s efforts have given us hope and opportunities that we never imagined. We sincerely pray for her continued good health and success,” he said.

Abdulmajid Yahuza Sulaiman, Chairman of Kano Logistics Loaders under WOFAN, vowed that his group would remain committed to supporting 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,” he pledged.

With this initiative, WOFAN is not only celebrating International Women’s Day but also setting a precedent for impactful, action-driven empowerment strategies that uplift women across Nigeria.