In Tofa Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria, a group of determined women under the Atamaki Mata Women Farmers Association has turned ambition into action, transforming their community through the untapped potential of neem oil. Their journey began with a simple idea: to improve their livelihoods. With the guidance of the HortiNigeria program, they turned this thought into a thriving enterprise.
For years, the Atamaki Mata Women Farmers Association produced neem oil on a small scale, selling 50-centiliter bottles for 1,000 naira (approximately U.S. $0.67). Neem oil is popular as a natural remedy for treating skin ailments and promoting hair growth. But the group’s operations were limited, and they saw little growth in their efforts. That changed when HortiNigeria introduced them to the vast potential of neem oil in agriculture.
“Since we discovered that farmers could use neem oil on their farms and learned from the HortiNigeria program on how to produce it, our progress has been great. The knowledge and skills we have acquired have enhanced our capabilities, allowing us to expand our reach to a larger market.”
Rashida Nura, member of the Atamaki Mata Women Farmers Association
Through training provided by HortiNigeria, the women discovered neem oil’s value as a biopesticide, a natural solution to pest control that can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. They also learned that the leftover cake from oil extraction can be used as organic fertilizer to enrich soil and improve crop yields. These insights opened new business opportunities and deepened their understanding of sustainable agricultural practices.
Equipped with this knowledge, the Women Farmers Association redesigned their venture. They expanded their production, focusing on producing neem oil for agricultural applications. Their efforts culminated in a breakthrough moment when they secured third place in a competition organized by HortiNigeria, winning a cash prize of 300,000 naira (approximately U.S. $179).
The group invested their winnings in a grinding machine, which streamlined their production process, reduced the labor requirement, and increased efficiency. This pivotal investment allowed them to scale their operations to produce more neem oil and meet the growing demand within and beyond their community.
“Since we discovered that farmers could use neem oil on their farms and learned from the HortiNigeria program on how to produce it, our progress has been great. The knowledge and skills we have acquired have enhanced our capabilities, allowing us to expand our reach to a larger market. We are now recognized as a trusted supplier in the community, and our growth is a simply a result of the support we received. We are deeply grateful to HortiNigeria for the opportunity,” shared Rashida Nura, a member of the Atamaki Mata Women Farmers Association.
Today, the business has grown, now selling 1-liter bottles of neem oil for 4,000 naira (approximately U.S. $2.66)—a significant leap from their earlier efforts. The association have also set up a group bank account to manage their earnings, ensuring their venture’s sustainability.
However, they did not stop at neem oil. With the success of their production, the group ventured into commercial seedling production, supplying high-quality seedlings to local farmers. Their advisory support has also earned them recognition as a trusted partner, fostering strong relationships with farmers in neighboring communities.
To sustain their neem oil production year-round, the women use their earnings to purchase neem seeds during the dry season when they are scarce. This forward-thinking approach has ensured steady production, solidifying their position as leaders in neem oil innovation.
Through HortiNigeria’s training and their own determination, the Atamaki Mata Women Farmers Association expanded their venture into a thriving enterprise, producing neem oil for agricultural applications, investing in advanced equipment, and diversifying into seedling production.
Their success has not only improved their livelihoods but also positioned them as trusted partners within their community, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and inspiring others to harness the potential of local resources for economic growth.
The HortiNigeria program (2021-2025), funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, aims to facilitate the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector that contributes to food and nutrition security in Nigeria. HortiNigeria is led by IFDC and implemented together with KIT, Wageningen University and Research, and East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation.
