The BATN Foundation has launched the EMPOWER-Her Poultry Project, targeting 200 women in Jigawa State, Nigeria. The initiative, inaugurated on September 4, 2026, in Dutse, aims to support sustainable livelihoods, strengthen household income, and improve food security through poultry enterprise development. The project is a collaboration between the BATN Foundation, the Jigawa State Government, and development partners.
Beneficiaries of the EMPOWER-Her Poultry Project received Noiler birds, poultry feed, and medication, following training in poultry production and enterprise management. This intervention is designed to address challenges facing women in rural communities, particularly in accessing economic opportunities. By supporting these women, the Foundation aims to create pathways to sustainable livelihoods while strengthening their capacity to contribute to their families' and communities' economic wellbeing.
The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, including the state's Commissioners for Agriculture and Rural Development, Muttaka Namadi, and Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab. Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Auwalu Ado Shehu, and the Project Manager, BATN Foundation, Adetola Oniyelu. The officials commended the initiative and encouraged participants to manage the poultry assets as sustainable businesses.
Adetola Oniyelu emphasized that the intervention reflects the Foundation's commitment to creating opportunities for women to build thriving enterprises. He noted that empowerment goes beyond providing inputs, but rather creating opportunities for women to generate income, contribute to household food security, and strengthen their economic resilience. The project is expected to improve household nutrition, increase food availability, and strengthen the economic resilience of beneficiary families.
Poultry production remains one of the most accessible agricultural enterprises for rural women, offering opportunities for regular income through the sale of eggs and meat. The EMPOWER-Her Poultry Project underscores the BATN Foundation's commitment to women's economic empowerment and inclusive agricultural development. By supporting 200 women with productive assets and practical skills, the Foundation is helping to create stronger households and more resilient communities.
Government officials at the event encouraged participants to manage the poultry assets as sustainable businesses capable of generating long-term value. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and their communities, contributing to the economic development of Jigawa State. The BATN Foundation's initiative is also expected to serve as a model for similar projects in other parts of Nigeria.
The EMPOWER-Her Poultry Project is a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing women in rural communities, particularly in accessing economic opportunities. The project's focus on sustainable livelihoods, household income, and food security aligns with the Foundation's goal of creating a positive impact on the lives of women and their communities.
Key points
- The BATN Foundation empowers 200 Jigawa women with poultry assets and skills to boost income, food security.
