1,895m smallholder women farmers get climate-resilient agric support in Kano

No fewer than 1,895 smallholder women farmers in Nigeria are set to benefit from an income-boosting initiative under the Propcom Plus project, a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) program designed to promote climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

The initiative focuses on strengthening climate-adaptive agriculture and market linkages, aiming to drive economic growth for both smallholder farmers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in regions affected by climate change and conflict.

Speaking at the commissioning of Halilco Foods’ instant Koko production line in Kano, Propcom Plus’ Deputy Team Leader for Operations, Mr. Egere Kemakolam, emphasized the project’s broad scope. He revealed that out of 3.79 million smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs targeted for income improvement, 50% are women, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to gender inclusivity.

Halilco Foods, recognized as a key implementation partner, successfully leveraged a Propcom Plus grant to expand its production line. The company’s CEO, Mr. Abbas Fadallah, disclosed that 500 women were trained and empowered last year under the program, with plans to scale up to 1,000 women beneficiaries in the coming year.

Additionally, the Kano State Government has pledged its support, with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, urging private sector players to capitalize on Propcom Plus’ investment opportunities to accelerate economic development in the agribusiness sector.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
This development signals a strategic investment in inclusive agricultural growth, with direct implications for Nigeria’s food security and economic resilience.

• Women Empowerment & Economic Growth:
  – Women play a crucial role in Nigeria’s agri-food system, yet they face barriers such as limited access to credit, inputs, and market opportunities. By ensuring that 50% of beneficiaries are women, Propcom Plus is fostering gender equity in agribusiness.
  – The expansion of Halilco Foods’ production line means increased demand for raw materials, potentially creating value chain linkages that smallholder farmers can tap into.
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture:
  – Climate change poses a growing threat to food production in Nigeria. By promoting climate-smart practices, the project can help farmers adapt to extreme weather conditions, sustain yields, and reduce post-harvest losses.
• Private Sector-Led Growth:
  – The involvement of agribusiness enterprises like Halilco Foods demonstrates that private sector participation is vital for scaling agricultural interventions.
  – The Kano State Government’s commitment could encourage more public-private partnerships (PPPs), driving long-term sustainability beyond donor funding.
• Market Development & Rural Livelihoods:
  – Expanding production lines and market-oriented interventions will increase income opportunities for farmers while boosting local food processing capacity.
  – If successfully implemented, this model can be replicated across Nigeria, fostering broader economic impact.

Key Takeaway for Stakeholders:
Propcom Plus presents a scalable model for integrating climate adaptation, women’s economic empowerment, and agribusiness expansion. Private investors and policymakers should explore synergies with the program to drive sustainable agricultural transformation in Nigeria.