Group empowers rural women, youths in Niger on Agricultural investment

As part of efforts to empower women and youths in rural communities, a group under the auspices of ThriveAgric and Crust Microfinance Bank has initiated projects to help participants become financially independent.

Speaking during the event organized by ThriveAgric and Crust Microfinance Bank for Niger Youth and Women to dialogue with the theme “igniting change and driving economic growth” representative of Thrive Agric, Olawoye Olawale highlighted the program’s focus on transitioning rural youth and women to financial stability through self-employment and capacity-building initiatives.

According to him “the dialogue would provide participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve financial independence and drive local economic growth.

“Our goal is to create a robust system that empowers youth and women in rural areas, equipping them with the skills needed to drive economic growth”.

He further disclosed that Thrive Agric is also working to promote sustainable farming practices by ensuring that farmers transition to methods that will enhance productivity and long-term agricultural sustainability.

In her remarks, General Manager, Niger state Investment Promotion Agency (NSIPA), Amina Sanusi represented by the Head of Investment Promotion, Emmanuel Yisa commended the organizers saying the initiative is in line with the Governor’s agricultural agenda.

According to her “we welcome this initiative, some financial organizations are joining forces in Niger state to drive economic growth through self-employment, financial inclusion, and sustainable agriculture as a means to empower women and youths in rural communities”.

In an interview session, founder of the Community Development and Climate Care Initiative, Richard Umar said the challenges faced by women in accessing credit facilities necessitated his organization to facilitate connecting Crust Microfinance Bank and Thrive Agric with the local communities adding that, “they are going to give the women and youths just 2.5% interest rate

Accordingly , he said “the project would train women on ways to adopt smart climate agriculture practices which would help to improve farm yields and promote sustainable development across Nigeria’s rural communities”.

The regional manager for POS Cross Microfinance Bank, Ejile Obike disclosed that the importance of financial inclusion for women and youth, especially in the current economic climate where access to financial resources is limited.

In his words: “We are here to empower youth and women by providing them with financial support and educating them on how to access it. We also offer POS terminals to help them provide financial services within their communities”.

Furthermore , he noted that many youths and women lack business orientation, making it difficult for them to sustain or expand their ventures. To address this, he said “the bank offers training programs to help participants understand how to manage and grow their businesses effectively. The first phase of their initiative has already supported 1,000 youth across five states, and the second phase aims to reach another 1,000 participants within 10 months”.

One of the resource persons and founder, Alifat Foundation for Women and Youths, Fatima Yusuf Nuhu said there is a need for women to be financially literate to be able to manage their businesses and finances effectively, saying, “agriculture is now the way to success, offering sustainable opportunities for women and youth”.