As part of efforts to improve livelihoods and combat poverty in vulnerable communities, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN Foundation) has distributed poultry birds and essential feeds to 300 rural and vulnerable women in Bauchi state.
This poultry project, implemented by BATN Foundation, aligns with the foundation’s readiness to empower rural communities in Nigeria by fostering self-reliance through income generation and improved nutrition, with the aim of creating a lasting impact on women, their families, and the Bauchi State economy.
The initiative focuses on poultry production to generate income, promote gender equality, and combat poverty in vulnerable communities.
BATN Foundation partnered with key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which assisted in beneficiary selection and ensured project alignment with national agricultural priorities. The Bauchi State ADP Office provided local expertise and streamlined beneficiary selection through their established networks.
Other partners included Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, which supplied high-quality noiler birds and offered technical support to women, ensuring project longevity, and Eco-lead Imperial Engineering & Global Services Ltd, which implemented the project, managing all activities from beneficiary selection to training and input distribution.
The 300 beneficiary women were selected across seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State: Bauchi, Shira, Tafawa Balewa, Alkaleri, Warji, Ganjuwa, and Toro. Each received a carefully curated package, including 20 noiler birds, one bag of 25kg specially formulated feed, and one 100g sachet of essential vitamins for poultry production.
Furthermore, beneficiaries were equipped with adequate training and sensitization to ensure best practices in poultry production and broaden their knowledge of poultry management. Noilers were selected because of their dual purpose to produce both eggs and meat.
The Commissioner for Agriculture in Bauchi state, Professor Simon Madugu Yalams, expressed gratitude to BATN Foundation for choosing Bauchi state to benefit from the initiative.
He commended the tireless efforts of everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition and emphasized the commitment of the Bauchi state government, through his ministry, to sustain the project with an innovative approach that complements and supports the beneficiaries, ensuring long-term success. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the support effectively and appealed for more gestures from individuals and corporate organizations.
The General Manager of BATNF, Oludare Odusanya, represented by Engr. Sadiq Abdullahi Waziri, explained the foundation’s dedication to enhancing the well-being of rural farmers.
He also revealed that over N5 billion has been invested in farmers through strategically designed impactful projects since the foundation’s establishment in 2002.
Odusanya emphasized that the project serves as a pilot, with the potential for scaling up due to its direct positive impact on smallholder rural farmers.
Dr. Umar Abdullahi Mania, speaking on behalf of Eco-Lead Global Services, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration received from the Bauchi state government through BSADP.
He urged beneficiaries to prioritize appropriate biosecurity measures and ensure the adequate feeding of their birds as essential steps in safeguarding their livelihoods.
Dr. Maina concluded by calling on extension agents from BSADP and the ministry to continue offering steadfast support in providing routine extension services for the beneficiaries.
