AgroEknor has launched of the Springboard Project in partnership with Olutoju Initiative to support women agro processors in Kano and Jigawa State.
The project combines support for immediate needs like financing with longer-term human capital and asset investments.
The initiative aims to empower the women by providing the tools and resources necessary to build sustainable livelihoods. Also, it will focus on self-employment as a viable option, the project aim to reduce inequality and move more vulnerable households toward economic stability.
“By empowering female agro processors in Kano and Jigawa states, we are not only supporting individual women but also fostering the economic growth and development of these communities,” Timi Oke, CEO of AgroEknor, said during the recent announcement of the partnership.
According to Oke, the Springboard project emphasises the importance of focusing on women’s economic empowerment.
“We hope to reduce perpetuating inequalities that have plagued families across generations and hindered the development of our society.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Olutoju on the Springboard Project, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable agriculture.”
Also, Oke said that in Nigeria, where women constitute 75 percent of the agricultural workforce; however, accessing resources and opportunities for growth remains a significant challenge.
“The project is designed to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive support across five core elements: consumption support, savings, asset transfer, technical skills training, and regular life skills coaching,” Oke said.
Wura Solomon Asumah, founder, Olutoju, said that the success and expansion of the Springboard project will further strengthen the linkages between social protection and economic development.
According to her, the project will further provide the opportunity to move vulnerable households into the market economy, whilst supporting their journeys into self-sufficiency and improving access to financial services.
“The collaboration allowed us to assess the situations of female agro-processors at AgroEknor, identify potential opportunities, and initiate conversations that enabled female beneficiaries to effectively utilize their earned income through savings and investments in profitable and productive ventures,” Maryam Abdulmalik, assistant general manager of partnerships, AgroEknor, said.
According to Abdulmalik, the project aimed at ensuring social and economic inclusion in the two states. She said that the partnership marks a significant step toward reducing poverty and inequality in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“Through targeted support and empowerment, the initiative aims to create a more equitable and prosperous future for vulnerable women in farming agro processing communities,” Abdulmalik said.