The Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO), in partnership with Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC), has initiated a program to empower pastoralist women in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. This initiative aims to equip these women with valuable skills and resources, fostering economic independence and deterring them from resorting to criminal activities. The program, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and UK Aid, has already trained and empowered 250 women across 13 local government areas in the state. The training encompasses a diverse range of skills, including bag making, soap making, shoemaking, perfume and vaseline production, palm oil processing, yogurt making, and more. Participants also receive start-up capital and opportunities to showcase their businesses, providing a pathway towards sustainable livelihoods.
The impetus for this project stemmed from research conducted by FUDECO, highlighting the myriad challenges faced by pastoralist women in Nasarawa State. These challenges include limited access to essential social services such as education and healthcare, insecurity, marginalization, exclusion, resource conflicts, and livestock diseases. The research underscored the precarious position of these women, many of whom lack formal education and are heavily reliant on men for survival. Recognizing the link between economic vulnerability and potential involvement in criminal activities, FUDECO designed this program to address the root causes of these challenges and empower women to take control of their economic destinies. The research also emphasized critical issues like gender equality, social inclusion, and women’s empowerment, aiming to garner broader stakeholder support for addressing the systemic issues impacting pastoralist communities.
The training and empowerment program has already demonstrated positive impacts on the lives of the beneficiaries. According to Dr. Usman Ibrahim, the lead researcher and a senior lecturer at the Federal University of Lafia, over 70% of the participating women reported an improvement in their standard of living. They now have the ability to earn, save, and invest money, providing a sense of financial security and autonomy. This empowerment is particularly significant in patriarchal societies where women traditionally face economic dependency. The program’s success is not just measured in economic terms; it represents a significant step towards social inclusion and recognition for pastoralist women. By equipping them with skills and resources, the program fosters self-sufficiency and contributes to their overall well-being.
The research underpinning this initiative revealed the depth of the challenges faced by pastoralist women. Over 70% of them lack access to basic necessities like education, healthcare, clean drinking water, and land. Discriminatory practices further exacerbate their vulnerability and contribute to their low socio-economic status. These findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive interventions that address these systemic issues. Dr. Ibrahim’s recommendations include increased access to education for pastoralist women, awareness campaigns to combat societal prejudice, and continued support for skills acquisition programs. He advocates for the inclusion of pastoralist women in all government empowerment initiatives, promoting social inclusion and equality. Specifically, he calls on the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board to prioritize nomadic education, ensuring access to quality education for children in pastoralist communities.
The stakeholders’ engagement event, held in Lafia, brought together representatives from various sectors, including security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, Fulani women, youth groups, and government officials. This forum served as a platform to disseminate the research findings, discuss the program’s impact, and advocate for broader support. Muhammad Habib Hussaini, the State Chairman of FUDECO, appealed to the Federal Government, the Nasarawa State Government, and other stakeholders to contribute to the program’s expansion, enabling it to reach more pastoralist women in rural communities. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the complex challenges facing these communities and create pathways for sustainable development.
The initiative undertaken by FUDECO and SPARC represents a significant step towards empowering pastoralist women, improving their livelihoods, and fostering social inclusion. By addressing the root causes of vulnerability and providing opportunities for economic independence, the program contributes to a more equitable and sustainable future for these communities. The emphasis on skills development, access to resources, and community engagement offers a holistic approach to development, empowering pastoralist women to become active participants in their own economic and social advancement. The program’s success serves as a model for future interventions aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering marginalized communities.
