csrreporters 
Since its founding in 2017, the Women Of Agricultural Multi-purpose Society has disbursed over ₦400 million in single-digit interest loans to women farmers, advancing food production and deepening financial inclusion for women in agriculture.
President of the society, Mrs. Chinasa Asonye, revealed this in a recent interview in Lagos, noting that the group has grown from 25 founding members to over 400 active participants. Today, it stands as one of Lagos State’s leading grassroots platforms for empowering female farmers.
Despite women constituting more than 70% of Nigeria’s agricultural labour force, Asonye highlighted the ongoing exclusion of women from formal financial systems.
“Women are the backbone of food cultivation in Nigeria, but we are often overlooked when it comes to access to finance,” she said.
To bridge this gap, the society adopted a village savings and loan model, enabling members to pool resources and access affordable credit without the hurdles of traditional banking. This model has been key to boosting members’ productivity, income, and independence.
“Our members are no longer chasing banks. Banks are now coming to us, seeking ways to partner and understand our impact,” Asonye stated.
Many of the society’s beneficiaries have used the loans to expand their farms, venture into agribusiness, and gain recognition as vital contributors to Lagos State’s food system.
To preserve trust and accountability, membership is strictly through referrals. “We’ve built a culture of transparency and shared responsibility. Every new member is introduced by someone we know and trust,” Asonye added.
The Women Of Agricultural Multi-purpose Society has become a beacon of community-driven development, showing how women-led cooperatives can strengthen food systems, improve rural livelihoods, and foster inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
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