AGRA

The AGRA Gender Consortium project, a 36-month initiative, is making remarkable strides in enhancing resilience and promoting gender-inclusive rural economies for increased productivity, livelihoods, and food security. This transformative project, spearheaded by Value Seeds Limited (VSL), Palm Valley Nigeria Limited (PVNL), and Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women (LANW), is dedicated to supporting 50,000 smallholder women and youths in Kaduna and Niger States.

One of the standout aspects of this project is its commitment to social inclusion, particularly for People Living with Disabilities (PLWD). In the course of implementing the project’s objectives, several PLWD were observed facing significant mobility challenges, often crawling or being carried by relatives to meeting venues.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, AGRA and PVNL have taken a systematic and deliberate approach to tackle exclusive norms and barriers. As part of their ongoing efforts to promote social inclusion, some identified beneficiaries with disabilities were empowered with AGRA-branded wheelchairs. This initiative significantly eased their movement, ensuring that they can actively participate in the project’s activities.

In Kaduna State, the project is being implemented across Zaria, Makarfi, Soba, Lere, Kubau, Kauru, Chikun, Kachia, Jaba, Zango Kataf, Jema’a, and Ikara LGAs. In Niger State, the targeted LGAs include Bosso, Chanchaga, Lapai, Katcha, Lavun, Bida, Wushishi, Agaie, Gurara, and Paikoro.

Palm Valley Nigeria Limited (PVNL) has been instrumental in supporting the development of high-nutritional-value products from soybeans, maize, rice, and cowpea, promoting household nutrition. PVNL has also facilitated enterprise development through training and capacity building in financial and business soft skills. Additionally, PVNL has constructed and equipped pilot agro-processing centers in Kahuta (Kaduna State) and Kolugbe (Niger State), providing beneficiaries with access to structured markets.

Although many PLWD beneficiaries were identified, five were selected to receive the AGRA-branded wheelchairs—two in Niger and three in Kaduna State. This initiative is a testament to AGRA’s holistic approach to agricultural transformation, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations are supported.

Through these inclusive measures, the AGRA Gender Consortium project is not only enhancing productivity and food security but also ensuring that all community members, including those living with disabilities, can contribute to and benefit from the agricultural sector’s growth.