Women in Yobe State proudly displayed their newfound skills and entrepreneurial spirit during field days held by the “Protection, Empowerment and Resilience Building” (PERB) project.
The project which aims to empower women, protect their rights, and build resilience in the face of challenges in Northeast Nigeria was funded by the government of Japan through UN Women and implemented by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), with support from the Yobe state government
The field days in Damaturu and Gashua showcased the impact of the project’s second phase on the lives of 475 women across 19 beneficiary groups of 25 members each.
The events highlighted the women’s proficiency in operating various income-generating equipment, including grinding machines, oil extraction machines, and irrigation systems for dry-season rice cultivation.
The field days also drew attention to the value addition activities undertaken by the groups, such as cereal processing, packaging,and storage techniques, underlining their potential for further growth.
A significant project component is the livestock-keeping training and distribution of healthy small ruminants to five beneficiary groups.These animals provide a sustainable source of income and food security, contributing to overall community well-being.
Hadiza Bala, a beneficiary from Damaturu said,”In my community,extracting oil from three full mudus of groundnut seeds used to take a laborious 25-45 minutes,but with the Sasakawa-provided groundnut oil extractor, the same quantity can now be processed in 3-5 minutes, significantly improving efficiency”.
Hauwa Abdullahi also a beneficiary stated that,they previously had to walk 35 minutes to access a wet grinder unavailable in their community,but project’s provision of the machine eliminates this challenge and allowing them to offer grinding services to the community,easing difficulties and enhancing overall output.
SAA UN Women Project Coordinator, Mallam Idris Garko, commended the women for their hard work and dedication.He encouraged them to seek official certification for their products from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and maintain close ties with extension agents to ensure continued success and access to regulatory agencies.
In his remarks,the program manager Yobe state Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Mallam Gana Adam emphasized the importance of unity and financial management among the beneficiary groups.
He commended the project’s contribution to empowering women and building stronger communities in Yobe State.
The Protection, Empowerment,and Resilience Building (PERB) project empowers women in Northeast Nigeria through training,tools, and resources.
The positive impact of the training and equipment is evident not only in the women’s improved productivity but also in their daily lives.
