CASCADE Empowers 1,500 Rural Women in Bauchi with Financial Access and Training

In a bold move to tackle financial exclusion among rural women, the Catalysing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) project has launched a financial linkage initiative in Bauchi State aimed at boosting access to financial services for women and smallholder farmers in agribusiness.

Speaking at a workshop held in Bauchi on Wednesday, Project Manager Isaac Ishaya Audu revealed that the initiative targets the sensitization and empowerment of about 1,500 women across the state. He noted that many rural women remain financially vulnerable due to low financial literacy, lack of formal documentation, and minimal access to financial institutions.

“Many women in rural communities face barriers such as low financial literacy, lack of registration documents, and limited access to financial information,” Audu said. “This workshop helps bridge those gaps by connecting women-led groups with banks and other providers, so they can understand and access the right products.”

Each participant at the workshop represents a cluster of 25 women, ensuring that the financial knowledge shared during the training will cascade to hundreds more. “After the training, these women are expected to return to their communities and train others,” he added.

Audu also disclosed that CASCADE is working on sustainable solutions, including strategic partnerships with financial institutions to extend their services into underserved rural areas. The broader goal, he explained, is to enhance rural incomes, drive financial inclusion, and contribute to the economic development of Bauchi State through women’s empowerment.

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Iliyasu Gital, applauded the initiative and pledged the state government’s support in mobilizing beneficiaries and ensuring a secure and enabling environment for the project’s implementation.

One of the beneficiaries, Patience Phillip from Akwanga, expressed appreciation for the opportunity, stating that the workshop provided vital financial education and opened doors to institutions willing to support their agribusiness ventures.

The initiative marks a significant step in breaking economic barriers and fostering inclusive growth in rural communities.