Women in Agric: Empowering Women-Led Agri-SMEs in Nigeria
Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains one of the strongest drivers of food security, employment, and economic resilience. Yet, women—who make up a significant percentage of the agricultural workforce—often face limited access to finance, business development services (BDS), mentorship, and structured market opportunities.
To bridge this gap, Women in Agric has been launched as a targeted initiative to support and strengthen women-led Agri-SMEs across selected states in Nigeria.
About the Initiative
The Women in Agric programme is part of the broader project titled:
“Systems Strengthening for the Provision of BDS and Access to Finance for Agric-SMEs in Nigeria.”
The initiative is implemented through collaboration between:
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria
Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University
It is supported by global development partners including:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
KfW
What Women in Agric Offers
This initiative is designed to empower women in agri-business through structured support mechanisms, including:
🌱 Business Clinics & Mentorship
Participants gain access to experienced business development service providers, structured advisory sessions, and hands-on mentorship designed to strengthen business models, operations, and financial management.
🌾 Working Capital Support & Training
The programme provides access to working capital support alongside training that enhances financial literacy, investment readiness, and growth strategy execution.
Together, these interventions aim to improve sustainability, scalability, and profitability of women-led Agri-SMEs.
Target States
The Women in Agric programme is currently focused on women-led agribusinesses operating in:
Niger State
Women entrepreneurs within the agricultural value chain in these states are encouraged to apply.
Why This Initiative Matters
Women play a critical role across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain—from primary production to processing, packaging, and distribution. However, limited access to structured business support and finance often restricts their growth potential.
By strengthening systems that provide BDS and improving access to finance, this initiative contributes to:
Increased productivity of women-led Agri-SMEs
Job creation within rural and peri-urban communities
Improved food systems resilience
Stronger participation of women in Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem
This aligns with national economic development goals and broader gender-inclusive growth strategies.
Application Deadline
🗓 Applications close on 26 February, 2026.
Use the link below 👇🏼 to apply
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