BATN empowers female farmers in Zamfara

The British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation has launched an initiative to empower rural farmers and drive sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.

Through the initiative, the organisation has distributed five-week-old noiler birds to 200 women in Zamfara State.

The project aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing rural livelihoods and alleviate poverty within the community.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by the state Governor’s wife, Hurriya Dauda Lawal; Commissioner of Agriculture, Ya’u Haruna Gamji, General Manager, BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya and other officials.

Each beneficiary received 20 noiler birds, a bag of specially formulated feed, and essential multivitamins to support poultry farming.

The project, implemented by Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Limited, equipped women with tools to establish profitable businesses.

In her address, Lawal applauded the initiative, highlighting the importance of empowering women to drive change.

“The women of Zamfara are the heart of our communities and empowering them means empowering the future of our state. With this support, we are not just giving them birds and feed; we are giving them the tools to rebuild and strengthen their livelihoods despite the challenges we face. I thank BATNF for recognising the potential of our women and investing in their growth.”

Similarly, the commissioner emphasised the significance of the project for the state’s agricultural development. “This initiative is a vital step towards sustainable food security and economic empowerment in Zamfara. By investing in women, we are creating a ripple effect that will touch families, communities, and ultimately transform our state. We appreciate the impactful work of the BATN Foundation and look forward to continued collaboration to scale up and transform the lives in our communities,” he said.

According to Odusanya, by investing in resilient and enterprising women, they are planting the seeds for a brighter and more prosperous future for all in Zamfara State.

“Poultry farming has emerged as a transformative enterprise, providing not only a sustainable income, but also advancing food security and strengthening community cohesion.”

Odusanya reaffirmed BATNF’s commitment to upscale the initiative across Nigeria by expanding outreach programmes, increasing funding, and establishing strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders to enhance the delivery and sustainability of agricultural interventions.