Abstract

This study examines the role of non-governmental organization in tackling poverty through women economic empowerment with particular reference to Women Farmers Advancement Network of Nigeria (WOFAN). A sample of 291 women was drawn from the beneficiaries of (WOFAN) in Kano state. Cluster sampling was used to determine the sample size from each local government selected from the three senatorial districts. The data was analyzed to test the three propositions of the study using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study revealed that, poverty is one of the prominent factors that hinders women participation in economic activities though NGOs impact significantly promote economic empowerment among women in the study area. Thus, based on the study recommends that, WOFAN and other NGOs should prioritized empowerment of women in rural areas rather than urban areas and          there is need to strengthen the implementation strategies of WOFAN and other NGOs, should collaborate with government in organizing in-house workshop, seminars to train and retain their staff on how to handle their beneficiaries and should provide market where beneficiaries of WOFAN can sell their agricultural products and other facilities to enhance the smooth practicability of various entrepreneurial skills learnt by women under the auspices WOFAN.

Keywords: Women, NGOs, Economic Empowerment, Poverty.

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CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Nigeria is a country of paradox with widespread poverty in the midst of plenty. The long

years of military rule and poor politics combined with rent-seeking culture have left the

country with high levels of poverty and low access to social services. Nigeria is the

largest oil producer in Africa and the seventh largest in the world, yet the majority of its

citizens are poor. Nigeria is a mono-cultural economy with crude oil contributing 99

percent of export revenues, 78 percent of government-revenues and 38.8 percent of GDP

(MGDs, 2014). It is also important to note that there are disparities in poverty between

males and females. According to the UNDP report, in 1996, the literary rate for males

was 62 percent and 39 percent for female; the corresponding figures for 1997 were 61

percent and 47 percent respectively, and 61 percent and 46 percent respectively in 1998

(UNDP,1996: 29-30).

Years of economic mismanagement have transformed Nigeria to the ranks of one of the

poorest countries of the world with a performance of 136 out of 162 nations in the

Human Development Index and 50 out of 90 development countries in the Human

Poverty Index (UNDP, 2001). Efforts to revive the economy through policy reforms and

adjustment programmes have recorded moderate successes while the economic

conditions remain rather unsatisfactory. The social scourge of poverty and joblessness are

widespread and the incidence is increasing its negative impact on the economy and

quality of life of the people. Unemployment is on the increase with attendant disaffection

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and restlessness among the youths, including women, who are faced with reduced job

opportunities and idleness hence the need for empowering women (Egwuatu, 2002).

Promoting gender equality and empowering women is critical for sustainable economic

growth. Women’s empowerment is creating opportunities that would enable women to

have greater choice and control over decisions that affect them. Empowering women

invariably creates opportunities through greater participation, knowledge, personal

security and economic independence, leading to reduction in poverty, hunger and

inequality (MDGs, 2014).

Women economic empowerment is a prerequisite for economic development and proper

growth. Achieving women economic empowerment requires sound public policies, a

holistic approach and long-term commitment and gender specific perspective must be

integrated at the design stage of policy and programming. Women must have more

equitable access to services; infrastructure programmes should be designed to benefit the

poor, both men and women and employment opportunities must be improved while

increasing recognition of women’s vast unpaid work. Innovative approaches and

partnerships include increased dialogue among development actors, improved

coordination amongst donors and support for women organising at the national and