As part of continuous stakeholder engagement, Mata Iyayen Al’umma Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the Kano Emirate Council ahead of the implementation of its flagship initiative, Promoting Grassroot Women in Agriculture in Nigeria (PROgWAN).

The delegation was warmly received at the palace, where the Foundation formally introduce itself to the Emirate Council and the objectives of its initiative, PROgWAN. A women-focused agricultural empowerment program aimed at improving food security, livelihoods, and economic inclusion at the grassroots level.

The visit underscored the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive development, cultural respect, and collaboration with traditional institutions, recognizing their critical role in community mobilization, trust-building, and sustainable program delivery.

PROgWAN is designed to empower smallholder women farmers through capacity building in horticulture (onion, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumber) maize and rice production, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, cooperative management, access to finance, and market. The Kano pilot phase targets 200 women farmers, with a long-term vision of empowering one million women farmers across Nigeria over 5 years.

The Emirate Council commended the initiative and reaffirmed its support for programs that uplift women, strengthen agriculture, and contribute to community development. The royal endorsement further reinforces PROgWAN’s mission and paves the way for successful grassroots implementation.

MIA Foundation expressed gratitude to the Kano Emirate Council for the warm reception and guidance, noting that the visit marked a significant step toward effective collaboration and community ownership of the program.