Women-led farming clusters under the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) have begun harvesting vegetables, while clusters of persons with disabilities (PWDs) are preparing for wheat harvesting in Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State.
This initiative is part of the WOFAN-ICON2 project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, which aims to maximise irrigation farming opportunities and provide training for farmers.
The project has already created over 1,800 jobs for young men and women across Kano and Jigawa states, equipping farmers with modern agricultural tools, including 24 solar-powered water pumps and 48 solar sprayers.
Through this initiative, farmers can now cultivate up to four harvests annually, significantly increasing their income and improving food security.
Speaking at a grand harvesting ceremony recently in Kano, WOFAN-ICON2 Country Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, highlighted the initiative’s impact in enabling year-round farming and creating sustainable livelihoods for rural farmers.
Represented by WOFAN’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Sadik Hassan, Dr. Garba emphasized that irrigation farming is helping farmers become more financially resilient.
“Most farmers in this region are subsistence farmers who struggle to feed their families beyond two to three months after the rainy season. This economic hardship forces many to migrate to cities in search of menial jobs, leading to social issues such as crime and family instability,” she said.
Through the WOFAN initiative, farmers can now cultivate an additional three crop cycles between rainy seasons, providing dignified job opportunities while ensuring that women and PWDs play active roles in agriculture.
As part of the program, 300 PWDs in Kano, organized into two clusters, are set to harvest their five-hectare wheat farm. Expected yields are up to two tons per hectare—equivalent to 40 bags—providing a sustainable source of income for the farmers.
WOFAN officials also visited farms cultivating tomatoes, onions, and wheat, commending the dedication of women-led cooperative groups. These farmers have adopted innovative farming techniques to maximize productivity, ensuring steady incomes year-round.
The initiative has also provided employment opportunities for farm labourers, primarily women, who earn between ₦4,000 and ₦5,000 daily from harvesting activities.
Kaulat Ayuba Adam, a tomato farm labourer in Garun Malam, shared how the program has transformed her life. “I work on the farm in the early morning, earning between ₦2,000 and ₦6,000 daily. By 10:00 AM, I return home to focus on my business selling ‘Awara’ (soybean cake),” she said.
Similarly, Saliha Ibrahim, who works on an onion farm, said farming has boosted her financial stability. “I am not just a farm laborer; I also run a food business. This job allows me to make extra money in the morning before I start my business in the afternoon,” she added.
To ease the transportation of farm produce, WOFAN introduced logistics tricycles, reducing costs and making market access easier. Aisha Aliyu, speaking on behalf of her farming cluster, praised the initiative.
“In the past, our biggest challenge was transporting our produce. But now, with logistics tricycles provided by WOFAN, moving our crops to the market is much easier, and our profits have increased,” she said.
Abdulrahman Hassan, a logistics loader in Garun Malam, said the initiative has transformed his life. “Before WOFAN’s intervention, I struggled to feed my family. Now, I can provide for them and even help others,” he said.
PWD farmers in Garun Malam also expressed gratitude for the program, noting that it has given them financial independence. Lawan Ali Kura, a wheat farmer, said his group is excited about the upcoming harvest.
“We are grateful to WOFAN and the Mastercard Foundation for empowering us through agriculture. We now have a source of income and are looking forward to a successful harvest,” he said.
With continued support from WOFAN and its partners, these farmers are not only securing their livelihoods but also contributing to food security and economic growth in their communities.
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