Unfortunately, many of these women still use old-fashioned methods, which expose them to health hazards. The She Farmers Initiative (SFI) is a global initiative for African women, established in Nigeria on June 8th, 2021, to provide and advocate for women in the agricultural sector for food sustainability. SFI seeks to create an enabling environment for female agri-entrepreneurs to thrive in Africa. Their mission is to provide support for improved agricultural business, adequate infrastructure support for rural women farmers, promote education, technology, and financial inclusion for women in the agricultural business, improve agricultural processing through advanced technology and world best practice, transform women from the informal to the formal sector, create a market for agro-commodities and reduce post-harvest losses, and provide financial inclusion and literacy for women in the agricultural sector.

In line with its mission to promote sustainable agriculture, Palatehub is proud to partner with SFI as part of its “Grow and Replicate Agro Communities” initiative. At Palatehub, we believe that sustainable agriculture is not just about profits but also about building strong communities. As such, our capacity-building services are tailored to the specific needs of each community, association, or cooperative they work with. We facilitate knowledge sharing among farmers and provide continuous support to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed. Our market access services provide analysis, networking, and supply chain optimization, enabling farmers to connect with buyers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the industry. Contact Palatehub today to learn more about how they can help you build a sustainable future for your community.

SFI will be inaugurating its Ekiti State chapter on the 11th of May 2023, and Palatehub is proud to be a partner of SFI in its efforts to empower women in the agricultural sector.

The project is in line with the mandate of SMEDAN to stimulate, monitor and coordinate the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. The mapping of the poultry sector in Lagos, Nigeria will provide real time data to ensure more effective advocacy and business development services to resolve the challenges impeding the growth of the sector.

In addition to SMEDAN, Palatehub, and ICC-CoE, other stakeholders present at the meeting were from the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, the Poultry Association of Nigeria and Big Dutchman Nigeria.

During the meeting, Stakeholders expressed the urgent need for real time data on the poultry sector for policy design and implementation especially in the areas of job creation and public health. Although there were concerns expressed with regards to the scope of the project, the general consensus was to proceed with a pilot project on a public-private-partnership basis.

ICC-CoE, represented by Mrs. Bunmi Osuntuyi, the Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, expressed support for the project. She explained that the objective of the ICC-CoE is to inspire future entrepreneurs; digitize SMEs; scale up startups; and foster inclusive entrepreneurship.

To conclude the meeting, Stakeholders agreed that SMEDAN and Palatehub will develop a workplan and convene a second meeting of stakeholders to launch to data-gathering aspects of the project.

The project which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5: Women Empowerment and Gender Equality was also facilitated and supported by the Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UYOCCIMA) and Palatehub.

Addressing the farmers, the field representative of Zowasel, Mrs. Priscilla Charles Udoh explained that Smallholder farmers in Akwa Ibom State are yet to significantly increase their yield per hectare, as the State still records the lowest among its peers.This she said has happened despite the enormous potential in Akwa Ibom’s agricultural sector.

She pointed out that Smallholder farmers have limited access to improved seeds and seedlings, machinery, and training. As a result, farm yields and farmers’ income has remained perpetually low, thus making the sector unattractive to the younger population.

Over 150 women drawn from across the ten political wards in Okobo attended the training and expressed their willingness to participate in the practical training which will commence soon.

Victor Paul Unoh | First Media NaijaTV | Uyo
victorunoh@gmail.com