Direct Implementation

Project Overview

The Women in Mechanized Agribusiness (WIMA) is launching the WIMA Expansion Assessment to test the feasibility and impact of women-led Mechanization Service Providers (MSPs) in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This initiative will evaluate how women farmers can transition into mechanized farming and become active players in the agricultural equipment ownership and service provision market.

Key Challenges Addressed

• Low Mechanization Rates: Nigeria’s tractor density is 0.27 hp/hectare, far below the global standard of 1.5 hp/hectare.
• Limited Women’s Participation: Despite making up 70% of the agricultural workforce, women have little access to mechanization services or financing.
• Food Security & Productivity Constraints: Traditional farming methods limit crop yields, while increasing population growth raises demand for local food production.
• Financial & Market Barriers: Mechanization services lack adequate financing models for women farmers to invest in modern farming tools.

Project Objectives

• Test the Viability of Women-Led MSPs: Assess whether women can successfully manage mechanization services in Nigeria.
• Promote Mechanized Farming Among Women Farmers: Equip women with agricultural tools, training, and business models for mechanization.
• Develop a Business Case for Financial Institutions: Present a financing model for banks to offer loans and support to women MSPs.
• Pilot and Scale Mechanization Services: Establish 10 pilot MSP groups, with each group managing equipment and providing services to smallholder farmers.

Project Approach & Activities

• Feasibility Study: Research on the market, demand, and barriers to female-led mechanization services.
• Training & Capacity Building: Women will be trained on tractor operation, mechanization services, financial management, and business development.
• Pilot Mechanization Program: 10 tractors and additional mechanized equipment will be loaned to 10 groups of 50 women each.
• Financial Model Development: WIMA will collaborate with banks and crowdfunding platforms to create investment opportunities for mechanization.
• Impact Measurement & Business Case Presentation: Track project outcomes and present scalability models to financial institutions for funding expansion.

Expected Impact

• 500 Women Trained and Equipped as MSPs.
• Increased agricultural productivity through modern mechanization tools.
• New revenue streams for women as MSPs, with direct income generation from mechanization services.
• Reduction in manual labor dependency, leading to improved farming efficiency.
• 100% increase in productivity in pilot communities.