Kaduna Women Economic Empowerment: Income increase in rural Nigeria
The Kaduna Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Project is embarking on a transformative, three-year journey to empower rural communities in Kaduna, Nigeria, by focusing on agriculture, skill acquisition and healthcare. Supported by Bayer Foundation, this initiative aims to increase the income of 35,000 women farmers and households by 30% through innovative approaches, such as improving farming skills, providing vocational training and increasing healthcare access. By integrating these key areas, the Kaduna WEE Project is creating a sustainable model for economic growth and community health, setting a new standard for empowerment and development in the region, ensuring "Health for All, Hunger for None".
The Kaduna WEE Project is a collaborative initiative between Advantage Health Africa, Healthy Entrepreneurs, AFEX, CoAmana, Jennifer Etuh Foundation, and funded by Bayer Foundation. To realize our common goal of increasing income by 30% for women farmers and households in remote areas of Kaduna, our partner organizations work together with the support of the Kaduna State Government to provide training and resources for women to improve their agricultural productivity, access telemedicine services, and develop entrepreneurial skills.
Kaduna Women Economic Empowerment Project
Healthy Entrepreneurs and Advantage Health Africa
Healthy Entrepreneurs is a social enterprise that aims to provide healthcare access to communities in hard-to-reach areas in Africa; while Advantage Health Africa offers health solution technology, products and services across Africa. Both enterprises collaborated to onboard 190 newly trained Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHEs) to transform healthcare access in ten local government areas (LGAs) starting with a pilot in Kaura and Jema'a located in the south of Kaduna, Nigeria.
Community Health Entrepreneurs are pivotal in providing accessible healthcare to rural communities, addressing the need for reliable health information and affordable health products. Their training encompassed essential topics such as disease prevention, maternal and child health, first aid, and health education, with a strong emphasis on empathy, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication.
Provided with starter kits, smartphones, and comprehensive training, these Community Health Entrepreneurs are readily equipped to impact their communities by offering sustainable healthcare services. Besides, they are also able to conduct health screenings, organize health education campaigns, and promote health literacy within their communities. Their work will serve as a cornerstone in reshaping rural healthcare delivery.
Jennifer Etuh Foundation
In addition to healthcare, the Kaduna WEE Project is making significant strides in agricultural empowerment through its partnership with the Jennifer Etuh Foundation. Currently, the foundation is training 600 beneficiaries in vertical sack farming, a method that maximises space and resources for efficient crop cultivation. This innovative approach is complemented by skills acquisition training for 410 individuals, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise to succeed in various fields such as hairdressing, bag making, catering services etc.
One of the cornerstone initiatives of the Jennifer Etuh Foundation is providing fertilisers to 10,000 beneficiaries at a 10% subsidy, ensuring that farmers have access to affordable resources that enhance agricultural productivity. This effort not only supports female farmers with best practices and essential tools but also lays the groundwork for a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector.
AFEX
AFEX is dedicated to improving agricultural infrastructure and providing financial solutions that empower farmers to optimize their productivity. In a recent training, women farmers learned about maize and sorghum farming techniques. Besides, they also benefit from AFEX’s credit facilities and premium markets to grow their farming businesses.
CoAmana
CoAmana is a technology company that focuses on creating market access for smallholder farmers, connecting them to larger markets and ensuring fair prices for their produce. The enterprise trains women in Kaduna to not only participate in buying and farming, but to lead in market operations, reshaping the supply chain for a more inclusive future. Their recent agent training introduced key innovations like Buy Now, Pay Later, new POS systems, and essential insurance education for farmers—ensuring women have all the tools they need to thrive.
Together with our partner organizations, we are committed to driving sustainable change, creating healthier and more resilient communities in Kaduna State. Stay updated with the initiative’s activities by following this LinkedIn page. Together, we can make sure that access to healthcare and economic empowerment isn’t just a promise, but a reality for every woman in Kaduna and beyond.
