From drops of oil to drums of milk: Zainab Aliyu’s exciting journey to agribusiness

13 June 2025

In the blistering heat that greets each morning in most communities in Northern Nigeria, Zainab Aliyu, a palm oil seller, dares the suffocating heat in her Ribadu Kauta Hore community in Adamawa State to make a living for herself and contribute to her husband's meager income.

With her baby strapped to her back every morning, she traverses the length and breadth of her community, her tired eyes desperately scanning the horizon for patronage. However, despite the laborious daily ritual, she only earned peanuts, barely enough to alter the family's fortunes.

Meanwhile, after years of toiling, the turning point came for Zainab one evening when a neighbor introduced her to an upcoming agribusiness training organized by IITA through one of the Youth in Agribusiness projects. Determined to turn her flickering dream into reality, she said she journeyed a few kilometers to the screening venue the following day and got selected for the training. She said the training and support she received marked her transition to agribusiness and a better life.

"I used to sell red oil," she remarked. "But we were taught how to milk cows properly during the training. After the training, I began applying what I learned by milking cows, and my income increased, such that I could buy many things from the profit I realized. I bought maggi, pepper, salt, detergent, and soap. I also expanded my business."

That was not all; she said the project removed the milk marketing burden. "In the past, we had to carry our milk to town to sell, but now the project has been arranged for people who buy the milk from us," she said excitedly. "They trained and provided us with water, and we are grateful to them."

She said the project also provided guidance on how to manage their income. "They assisted us in opening bank accounts and taught us to divide our profit into three. The first part is to increase our capital, the second is for our personal and family needs, and the last is for our savings. This was what made me happy, and you know when you are happy, you shed tears of joy," she concluded amid tears.

On account of this, Zainab said she had been able to contribute significantly to her family's finances. "The training has greatly impacted me because now I can contribute to some of the family's needs. Sometimes, my husband comes to me when he is low on cash, and I give it to him. I cater to some of my children's responsibilities and assist my neighbors financially, especially during weddings and naming ceremonies. I am grateful for this opportunity as it is helping me become a responsible woman."

Away from the routine of moving from street to street in the sweltering heat, she now has more time for her family. "When I wake up at 5 am, I sweep the house, and after that, I milk the cow. Once I am done, I return home to do some chores. So, I can work while handling the affairs at my home," she said.

While appreciating her husband for his support, she stated, "He has been okay with it and very supportive. For instance, when I don't have capital, my husband supports me with some money to help boost my business. He provides for my needs, and it is only when he doesn't have that I assist with what is needed in the house."

Contributed by Jesutofunmi Robinson