Nigerian women farmers: From subsistence to thriving agribusiness

Mariam Abass and Rukayya Muhammad were subsistence farmers in northern Nigeria, producing just enough food to feed their families, until they came across an agribusiness training program that changed their lives.

This program has equipped them with the knowledge and skills to start and grow their businesses, significantly increasing their productivity and putting them on a sustained profitability path. For instance, one of the women disclosed that her net profit before the training was around a miserly N30,000, but that on applying the knowledge gained, her net income increased to a whopping N500,000, which she described as profound and life-changing. “The training was invaluable, it taught us how to manage our business, connect with buyers, and join groups that expand our knowledge and help us grow,” Rukayya, who lives in Kano State, stated.

Women farmers, particularly in the region, traditionally face low productivity and financial dependence on male family members. Culture and childcare responsibilities have historically hindered their participation in agricultural training, where they could access modern skills, mentorship, and resources to improve their agricultural practices.

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