UN trains 1,770 women on improved parboiled rice processing

As part of effort to support Nigeria’s government in boosting the
production of home grown rice due to the closure of borders, a group,
Search for Common Ground in partnership with UN Women and funds from the government of Japan have trained 1,770 vulnerable women in modern way of processing  rice in Borno and Yobe states.

The Gender Specialist/Programme manager, Tamwakat Golit, said the
effort was to strengthen the resilience of the women in the two
conflicts affected states to be self employed.

“The economic and political contribution of women in communities
cannot be overemphasized. For such communities to thrive, the economic
empowerment of women and gender equality is essential.”

“We are targeting conflict affected women of Jere and Mafa LGAs in
Borno and Bade LGA in Yobe on Improved parboiling technology of Rice
paddy and Income generating activities of their choice which ranged
from sewing, knitting, Gardening, cap making, poultry, Groundnut
processing,”  he said.

Blueprint learnt that Search supported these women by training them on micro enterprise, cooperative management, climate smart technology and established them into cooperatives to enable them build strong
networks to support each other, earn and save money and influence
decisions in their homes and communities.

At the end of the training, they were supported with starter packs
ranging from groundnut processing machines, sewing and knitting
machines and supplies, soap and cap making materials, etc to enable
them sustain their livelihoods and that of their children.

Search for common ground also installed 300kg/h rice milling machine
and a 22KVA standby generator in Bade, that is being managed by the
women to further support them in producing high quality rice.

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