Empowering Rural Women Farmers in Nigeria: The Journey of Iretiolu Olufunmilola Odi

Photos credit: Personal

Nigeria: In the vast farmlands of Nigeria, where agriculture is the heartbeat of rural communities, one woman is driving change from the ground up. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on Iretiolu Olufunmilola Odi, a passionate agribusiness professional and Master Trainer whose work in agricultural development is transforming the lives of farmers across Nigeria. Iretiolu is more than an agribusiness expert, she is a force for empowerment, equipping thousands smallholder farmers, especially women, with the knowledge and skills to succeed in agribusiness.

From Botany to Agribusiness: A Passion for Empowerment
Born and raised in Nigeria, Iretiolu pursued a Bachelor of Science in Botany at the University of Jos before obtaining an MBA in Agribusiness from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Her transition from the banking sector to agribusiness was driven by a desire to make a tangible impact on rural farmers, a passion ignited by witnessing the struggles of smallholder farmers in her community.

Her journey with the Farmer Business School (FBS) began in 2015 when she was introduced to the initiative through a partnership between a Cottage Miller and GIZ-CARI, which aimed to improve rice production and processing in Nigeria. As a Business Development Manager, she was responsible for reporting to GIZ, an opportunity that led her to be trained in the FBS approach. She soon began stepping down trainings to rice farmers in Kogi State and, by 2018, was selected for the first-ever Pan-African Master Training Program in Malawi.

Today, Iretiolu is a certified National Master Trainer, and her impact is undeniable, having trained over 9,000 farmers in the FBS approach, with more than half being women producers and parboilers. “When women have access to knowledge and resources, they don’t just improve their own lives, they uplift entire communities. Seeing this transformation firsthand keeps me motivated,” she shares.

Overcoming Challenges with Determination
Despite her success, Iretiolu’s journey was not without obstacles. She faced self-doubt, struggled with designing inclusive training programs, and navigated cultural and language barriers when working with diverse groups. By seeking mentorship, adopting interactive learning techniques, and embracing digital tools, she overcame these hurdles and became an effective and confident trainer.

A Defining Moment: Empowering Women Farmers
One of the most rewarding moments for Iretiolu as a master trainer occurred during a training program she led for a group of rural women farmers. Many of them had never received formal training before, and they were initially hesitant to participate. However, through a combination of interactive exercises, role-playing, and hands-on activities, Iretiolu was able to create a safe and supportive learning environment. As the training progressed, she witnessed a remarkable transformation in the women. They began to open up, share their experiences, and ask questions.

The moment that made Iretiolu particularly proud was when Aisha, a shy and quiet woman from Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, stood up in front of the group and confidently presented her business plan for a small-scale farming enterprise. Her confidence and poise were palpable, and the group erupted in applause.

“As a Master Trainer, it was moments like these that reminded me of the power of education and empowerment. Seeing Maria and the other women gain confidence and skills was a testament to the impact that effective training can have on people's lives. It was a proud moment for me, and it reinforced my commitment to continuing this important work”. Iretiolu stated.