NAAD is helping a group of women in Kaduna, Kogi, Enugu, Kwara, Niger, Imo, Abia, Oyo and Abuja FCT, to harvest, process and commercialize Cashew nut in large quantity. NAAD has offered hope to many poor women in the communities – hope that they could bring in extra incomes for their families and take on new responsibilities outside the home.
Mrs Veronica In Kabba Bunu Local Government of Kogi State Nigeria.
In 2018, she established “Nutvanco”, a women-run organization aiming to harvest, process and commercialize Cashew nut food products. Veronica and her “Nutvanco” offered hope to many poor women in the community – hope that they could bring in extra incomes for their families and take on new responsibilities outside the home.
Despite Nutvanco’ promising start – it registered 56 woman shareholders during the first year – the company was having trouble selling its products because of limited resources. Hand-made ovens, burdensome grinders and lack of space impeded the company’s ability to turn a profit.
NAAD recognized the potential for Veronica’S’ vision and invited her and the other women to participate in our Woman Empowerment Business Plan Competition. As finalists, Veronica and her team were rewarded with $50,000.
NAAD is also providing ongoing support. “Soon after [the competition], NAAD helped secure a further $50,000 grant to buy new equipment. We are also supporting Veronica with a part-time consultant who is helping her in organizational development and sales.
The new equipment is changing the way the women do business, since its installation they have seen their raw material losses cut in half. They are able to work more efficiently, and with less waste, roast and mill the nuts, steadily moving them toward profitability.
Nutvanco Ltd, has provided much-needed hope and opportunity to women in a struggling community. The women’s additional incomes are allowing them to provide school books and pay their children’s school fees and to serve as inspirations to other women. NAAD is replicating the same gesture in other Cashew producing States.
