In 2023, Amina Bellow Abubakar had the opportunity to participate in the poultry production training organized by the Innovative Youth in Agriculture (I-Youth) in Gwale, Kano State.
With a background in Mathematics and Physics Education, Amina is rewriting the narrative and changing the stereotypes about women’s employment in the northern part of Nigeria. The 31-year-old mother of three is a poultry farmer, a change maker, a mentor, and a beacon of hope for women aspiring to build sustainable livelihoods through agriculture in the North.
Amina’s vision for participating in the training was not limited to her benefit; she had a bigger vision. “The I-Youth program aligned perfectly with my ambition to start a poultry farm,” she recalls. “So, I paid close attention during the training, making me one of the best in our group.”
Shortly after completing the program, Amina started her poultry business with the input support she received from I-Youth. Her first production cycle was a success, and she made a good profit. The second cycle, however, came with a tough lesson: she lost about 18 birds and realized that sourcing quality chicks was crucial. Rather than becoming discouraged, Amina used this experience to improve her knowledge and make informed business decisions.
As her business grew, she began to share her knowledge with her neighbors, particularly housewives, encouraging them to see agriculture as a viable means of supporting their families. “I realized that many women in my community wanted to do something for themselves but lacked guidance and resources. So, I started training them,” she says.
Recognizing the need for more women to gain access to agricultural training, what began as informal advice soon evolved into an agribusiness training initiative. Amina put together a training manual in Hausa, ensuring that the women could easily grasp key concepts in poultry farming, and partnered with local organizations to reach a wider audience. Through this initiative, she has trained over a thousand women across Kano, Bauchi, and Niger states. Her commitment to empowering women is reflected in her approach; she charges a token fee of N500, which covers training materials. Amina also connects them to reliable feed and chick vendors, ensuring they can access quality inputs from the outset.
Amina’s impact goes beyond agriculture. Inspired by lessons on leadership and volunteering from the I-Youth training, she initially began offering soft skills training as a volunteer. Her expertise soon attracted the attention of organizations such as Alifat Foundation, Mufarka Youth Development Initiative, and Sufi Development Initiative Solution, among others, which now hire her as a facilitator. The additional income from these engagements enables her to support her family as the breadwinner.
“Now, after every training session, I pay my team and save a portion of my earnings through a monthly savings plan,” she shares. “This system has made it easier to pay my children’s school fees without stress.”
The ripple effect of Amina’s work is undeniable. She has become a role model for many young people and mothers in her community. Her efforts have inspired housewives to start home gardens and rear chickens, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency. “I believe there is a bright future for women in agriculture,” she says.
Through her unwavering dedication and commitment to empowering women in agriculture, Amina Bello Abubakar stands out as a true Gender Champion for many in Kano and beyond. Her story is a testament to how one woman’s determination can lead to significant change within a community, demonstrating that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.
Contributed by Jesutofunmi Robinson
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