Women Farmers in Nigeria Receive Grants to Boost Agribusiness

Women-led agribusinesses across Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa states have secured grants and loans to expand their enterprises and strengthen agricultural productivity. The grant award ceremony took place at the Kaduna Business School, where beneficiaries received symbolic cheques in the presence of stakeholders and development partners.

The program, implemented in collaboration with organizations such as AGRA and SMEDAN, is designed to improve livelihoods and enhance the agricultural value chain while addressing food insecurity. Dr. Dahiru Sani, the rector of Kaduna Business School, emphasized the urgent need to support women entrepreneurs in agriculture, noting that limited access to finance remains a significant constraint for small-scale operators.

Beneficiaries also gained additional financial support from Keystone Bank's Pink Women Support Program. Hon. Mukhtar Ahm Monrovia, the Commissioner for Agriculture, highlighted that the state government has increased its agricultural budget allocation to a minimum of 10% over the last three years to align with global benchmarks.

Murtala Dabo, the Commissioner for Agriculture, noted that agriculture contributes 42% to the state's GDP and employs 60% of the population.