Group inaugurates moringa project to empower women in Bauchi
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Youth Adolescent Health Initiative and Counselling (YAHIC) has inaugurated a Moringa Production and Processing project in Dass and Bauchi Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
Our correspondent reports that the project is tagged, “Empowering Women in Moringa Production and Processing (EWoMoPP).”
The inauguration was performed in Bauchi recently by the Executive Director of YAHIC, Ms Eswayi Polycarp.
Polycarp told the stakeholders that the project was aimed at boosting economic empowerment and climate resilience among rural women in Bauchi State.
She said that the year-long initiative is being supported by the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-CSO).
She said it would benefit 90 rural women, including 15 women with disabilities, underlining the programme’s inclusive focus.
“This initiative, made possible through the generous support of the FEF-CSO, is a vital step toward addressing economic disparity and climate vulnerability among rural women in Bauchi.
“We are not only promoting sustainable livelihoods through Moringa, but also championing inclusion and dignity for women with disabilities.
“The EWoMoPP project scheduled to run from July 2025 to June 2026
aims to indirectly benefit 450 individuals, while influencing gender-sensitive policies.
“It is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 5 (Gender Equality),” she said.
Polycarp noted that the project was developed in response to persistent challenges faced by women in agriculture, including limited access to land, markets, and decision-making power due to cultural norms and economic constraints.
“Moringa, often referred to as the ‘miracle tree,’ is central to the project due to its high nutritional value, low water requirements, and strong market demand.
“The initiative addresses food security, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability all at once,” Polycarp said.
She said that the full implementation of the project was expected to commence in September 2025.
Speaking, Mr Tameshiya Titus, Programme Officer at YAHIC, outlined the key components of the project.
He said they are the agricultural training on moringa cultivation and processing; installation of solar-powered greenhouses; and formation of Village Savings and Loan Associations.
“Others are market linkage support for processed moringa products and awareness campaigns on Gender-Based Violence,” he said.
Our Correspondent also reports that stakeholders at the meeting identified several barriers to women’s full participation in agriculture.
They listed the barriers as insecurity, poor road infrastructure, limited access to government support, financial exclusion, and sociocultural constraints.