- Women at the Forefront: ANI Foundation places women at the center of conservation efforts.
- Economic Empowerment: Providing training, resources, and opportunities for women’s economic growth.
- Community Transformation: Witnessing positive changes in families and communities.
- Sustainable Conservation: Aligning conservation goals with human development.
Empowering Women, Protecting Nature: The Gashaka Gumti Story
Imagine a place where lush savannah meets misty mountains – that’s Gashaka Gumti National Park, one of Nigeria’s most biodiverse treasures. But this park faces challenges, and that’s where the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation steps in. They’re not just throwing money at the problem; they’re investing in the people who live there, especially the women.
A New Women’s Center: A Hub of Opportunity
ANI Foundation recently launched a brand-new Women’s Centre in the northern part of the park, located in Adamawa State. Think of it as a hub where women can learn new skills, start businesses, and become leaders in their communities. At the opening, 450 women received support to help them build better lives and contribute to protecting the park.
Why Women? Because They’re Key to Conservation
David Peter, ANI Foundation’s Deputy Project Manager, hits the nail on the head: empowering women is about more than just helping families; it’s about protecting the environment. When women have the resources they need, they become powerful advocates for conservation.
Government Backing: A Shared Vision
Even the government is on board! Dr. Mohammed Kabir, representing the National Park Service (NPS), praised ANI’s commitment to economic transformation. He pointed out that ANI has already done amazing things, like giving tools and training to over 1,000 women in Taraba State back in 2023.
More Than Just a Park: Investing in People
The ANI-NPS partnership isn’t just about trees and animals. They’ve vaccinated over 100,000 cattle and hired over 70 young people as park rangers, showing that taking care of the environment also means taking care of the community. As Mrs. Nedo Kafulto, Adamawa State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, said, the Women’s Centre is a “transformative step” for the region.
From 2017: A Legacy of Change
Since 2017, ANI Foundation has been working with Gashaka Gumti National Park to make sure that conservation and community development go hand in hand. Park Conservator Amos D. Hamman explains that by helping people build sustainable livelihoods around the park, they become more invested in protecting it.
Women: Not Just Beneficiaries, but Leaders
Dr. George Okeyoyin, Senior Strategic Adviser at ANI, puts it perfectly: you can’t have effective conservation without women’s contributions. This is also the philosophy of ANI’s partner, ROSHAN Renewable Energy. Happy Amos, their Managing Director, revealed that women’s savings groups in Toungo have saved over N30 million in just one year! Instead of just handing out cash, they offer low-interest loans that help women start and grow their businesses.
Success Stories: Real People, Real Impact
Grace Emmanuel, one of the women who has benefited from the program, says that the support she received allowed her to start a successful business. Now, she can provide for her family and look forward to the future with hope. Florence Dauda, another participant, talks about how the community has been transformed, with women now proudly showcasing their products thanks to ANI Foundation.
The Future is Bright
The ANI Foundation’s work in Gashaka Gumti National Park is a testament to the power of women’s empowerment and community-based conservation. By investing in women, ANI is not only protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage but also building a brighter future for generations to come. This is a model that can – and should – be replicated across Africa and beyond.
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