Transforming challenges to opportunities, Lilian’s story of success
In recent years, female business ownership rates have risen but the prevalence of business ownership among women is considerably less compared to men. Studies on differences in business performance by gender have revealed that women-owned businesses were more likely to close, and had lower levels of sales, profits, and employment. This means that female-owned businesses are more likely to shut down, less likely to earn substantial profits, and less likely to hire employees compared to businesses owned by men. Challenges like access to funding, limited networks that reduce connections to mentors and business partners, market access issues, and lack of training all hinder female entrepreneurs. Identifying and addressing these obstacles is essential for supporting women in business and enhancing their productivity.
The USAID-funded Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) is closing gaps by supporting women in agribusiness. This includes those involved in food processing, purchasing, and distribution, with the goal of improving household nutrition and food security. The initiative aims to boost their productivity and competitiveness while strengthening the effectiveness of producer organizations. To achieve this, they have donated forty cowpea processing machines to small and medium enterprises in Kebbi, Niger, Ebonyi, Benue, Borno, Yobe, Maiduguri, Adamawa, and Gombe States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The equipment handed over to the women included hammer mills, dehydrators, destoners, threshers and generators. Based on the expected results of the participants to optimize the use of the equipment to benefit other women food processors in their clusters, Lilian Moses has become a game changer in the agro-processing business.
Lilian Moses, an entrepreneur based in the FCT, has been a dedicated player in the food processing industry. Specializing in cowpea, plantain, and yam, she initially relied on traditional methods, which involved manual processes such as sun-drying and using a basic grinding machine. However, her business has undergone a remarkable transformation, based on the support from the USAID-funded Feed the Future Nigeria, Rural Resilience Activity (RRA).
Before receiving the cowpea equipment from RRA, I used to buy the grains, grind, and process them the local way, and sell them to customers. I dry the grains under the sun, which is not healthy, and I wash the beans and use a local grinding machine to grind the grains.
Lillian, business entrepreneur
Her commitment to providing quality products was evident, but she faced numerous challenges, including health and safety concerns and inefficiencies in her processing methods. Lilian's business took a significant leap forward when she was awarded cowpea equipment through the Rural Resilience Activity, which included a hammer mill, a generator, and a dehulling machine. Following the donation of the equipment, Lilian and other processors were invited to a crucial training session led by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This training covered essential topics such as business registration, health, and safety measures, providing Lilian with the knowledge she needed to elevate her business to new heights.
“After the equipment was given to us, I and the other cowpea processors were invited by NAFDAC officials for training, and we were educated on the importance of business registration, and health and safety measures for processing the grains for consumption,” Lilian explains.
The training also connected her with a NAFDAC official, who guided her through the complex process of registering her business. However, she faced an unexpected hurdle when her shops in Kubwa Market were deemed unsuitable for NAFDAC’s approval.
The requirements for NAFDAC certification were daunting, involving significant capital investment in new equipment and facilities. Determined to overcome these challenges, Lilian partnered with another cowpea processor to establish a factory that meets NAFDAC’s stringent standards. This collaboration not only enabled her to comply with regulatory requirements but also set the stage for future growth and expansion.
“The equipment RRA gave me has changed my mentality. I never knew I could process grains with machines before now. Presently, I am using the Hammer mill, the food-graded stainless steel, for grinding the grains. The Stainless-steel hammer mill is so stress-free and safe when used in grinding grains. Customers are satisfied with the quality of the products because of the type of material component of the equipment which aligns with health and safety measures when consumed,” she explains.
The remaining equipment will come into use once her factory is fully operational, further enhancing her production capabilities. The transformation in Lilian’s business is not only evident in her improved processing methods but also in the significant growth she has experienced.
The type of material used in the development of the equipment has made customers unafraid to buy my products, and this has impacted greatly in my business growth.
As she looks forward to exporting her products and fully realizing the potential of her new factory, Lilian expresses deep gratitude for the opportunities that have come her way.
“I am grateful for the equipment I received from RRA. I received more equipment than I had expected, and I appreciate RRA for that,” she concludes.
Lilian's inspiring journey demonstrates the potential of women entrepreneurs when provided with the right resources and support. It also showcases the transformative power of empowering women in agribusiness, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. As she continues to expand her business and improve household and community nutrition, it highlights the urgent need for more initiatives and policies that empower women in agribusiness.
About the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity
The Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity is a five-year, US$49 million program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to facilitate economic recovery and growth in vulnerable, conflict-affected areas by promoting systemic change in market systems. The Activity is part of the U.S. Government's global hunger and food security initiative. It is aimed at empowering vulnerable households, communities and systems to cope with current shocks and stresses, and to be prepared to withstand future ones.
The Activity is implemented by Mercy Corps, in partnership with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and Save the Children (SCI), primarily in the Northeast states of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe. Using market-led approaches, the Activity is moving over 800,000 individuals out of chronic vulnerability and poverty.