The Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO), Kano State chapter, has taken the lead in promoting media empowerment for pastoralist women, following the release of key research findings aimed at enhancing gender inclusion, communication, and development within Fulani communities in the state.
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This effort was showcased during a stakeholder engagement event held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, organized in collaboration with the National Commission for Nomadic Education. Themed “Consolidating the Outcomes of the IDRC-SPARC GES Research Findings on the Media Empowerment of Pastoralist Women in Kano State,” the event brought together traditional leaders, government officials, academics, and community representatives.
Ambassador Abdullahi Isa, Chairman of FUDECO Kano, said the engagement was based on research conducted in Shadawa community of Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area. According to him, the study aimed to assess how pastoralist women access and use both traditional and conventional media to empower themselves socially and economically.
“There are a lot of gaps we discovered in terms of access to information and the ability of women to use media tools to advance their livelihood,” he said. “This gathering is to inform stakeholders about our findings and to build partnerships that can help address the challenges faced by these communities.”
Hajiya Maryam Yusuf Bayero, the co-lead researcher, presented the findings, which were gathered through participatory action research involving interviews and focus group discussions. She explained that the research, supported by IDRC, explored how media can advance gender empowerment and social inclusion in Shadawa.
The findings revealed that Shadawa community has over 35,000 pastoralists, with 74 percent of women owning domestic animals but lacking knowledge on how to manage them. Only 30 percent of women in the area own land, while men control most resources. Women viewed empowerment primarily as economic independence gained through skills acquisition and training, with the sale of dairy products serving as a main income source.
“Access to education and healthcare is limited. The community only has three blocks of classrooms, which are not sufficient,” she said. “Media access is also poor, with only 10 percent of residents owning a television and just 8 percent able to access the internet. However, radio remains the most used medium, particularly among women.”
Bayero also highlighted issues such as gender-based violence, risk of land conflict due to increasing cultivation, and weak social inclusion. She said women’s participation is often limited to religious gatherings, while broader civic engagement remains minimal.
Key recommendations from the research include expanding radio-based programs to deliver educational and empowerment content, introducing microfinance cooperative models for women, building schools and health centers, promoting solar energy solutions for device charging, and enhancing media literacy.
FUDECO has already initiated several interventions in the community, including the establishment of Islamic schools for women and children. Two female volunteers, supported with incentives from FUDECO, are currently teaching in Shadawa. The organization also provided teaching aids and conducted media awareness campaigns that helped sensitize the community on key issues.
Bayero noted that one of the campaigns led to the discovery of a dire situation in Gamariya, Gaya LGA, where residents trekked for hours to fetch unsafe water. FUDECO responded by constructing a borehole, providing clean water access to over 100 households.
She said the impact of these interventions has been significant. “We’ve seen a marked increase in the number of children and women accessing education. The two female volunteers are now seen as role models, inspiring more women in nearby areas to participate in education and leadership.”
Dr. Muhammad Saleh of Bayero University Kano commended the initiative, stating that FUDECO had taken the right step by identifying community problems through research. “Information is the backbone of knowledge,” he said. “With access to factual information, pastoral women will be able to make informed decisions and market their products effectively.”
He called on the government and NGOs to support FUDECO’s work, stressing the need for local media to tell community stories more accurately and without bias. “There’s a communication gap between real events and media narratives. We need to bridge this gap,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the research community, Malam Sule Shadawa thanked FUDECO for educating residents on how to use media to empower the Fulani community in Dawakin Kudu. He urged other Fulani elites and stakeholders to support the initiative.
Also lending royal support, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, represented by the Bunun Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ahmad Sadiq, emphasized the need for unity and mutual respect within communities. He decried the erosion of traditional values and urged citizens to revive community engagement and cultural norms.
“We must return to our roots, be our neighbours’ keepers, and ensure societal values are upheld,” he stated.
Through its targeted interventions, FUDECO continues to address pressing needs in Kano’s pastoral communities, blending grassroots engagement with evidence-based research to drive lasting impact.
