The BATN Foundation has launched the EMPOWER-Her Poultry Project in Jigawa State, Nigeria, aiming to improve household income and strengthen food security. As part of the initiative, 200 women in the state have received poultry birds, feed, and medication. The project, implemented in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government and development partners, focuses on equipping women in rural communities with productive assets and skills to establish sustainable poultry businesses.
The beneficiaries received the support after undergoing training in poultry production and enterprise management. The training was part of the initiative launched in Dutse, the state capital, on September 4, 2026. According to the Project Manager of BATN Foundation, Adetola Oniyelu, the intervention was designed to go beyond the distribution of agricultural inputs by helping beneficiaries develop viable sources of income.
Oniyelu emphasized that empowerment goes beyond providing inputs, but rather creating opportunities for women to build productive businesses, generate income, contribute to household food security, and strengthen their economic resilience. The project aims to support women in participating in poultry production, creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods while enabling them to contribute more to their families and communities.
The beneficiaries received Noiler birds, poultry feed, and medication, alongside practical training intended to help them manage the birds and operate the venture as an enterprise. Poultry production provides opportunities for rural households to generate income through the sale of eggs and meat, while also contributing to household food supply and nutrition.
The initiative is expected to improve the economic resilience of the participating families while increasing access to animal protein within their communities. Government officials at the event urged the beneficiaries to treat the poultry birds and other inputs as productive assets and manage the businesses sustainably.
The event was attended by several government officials, including the Jigawa State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Muttaka Namadi; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Abdulwahab; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Auwalu Ado Shehu. The officials emphasized the importance of sustainable management of the poultry businesses.
The BATN Foundation's EMPOWER-Her Poultry Project is a significant initiative aimed at empowering women in Jigawa State. With the support of the Jigawa State Government and development partners, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and their communities.
Key points
- The project aims to improve household income and strengthen food security in Jigawa State.
- 200 women in Jigawa State have received poultry birds, feed, and medication as part of the initiative.
- The project provides training in poultry production and enterprise management to help women establish sustainable poultry businesses.
