Abstract
In Southern Taraba State, Nigeria, women are at the heart of agricultural life. Despite their hard
work and essential role in their communities, many continue to face serious challenges: about
70% live below the poverty line, and fewer than one in four finish primary school. This reality
stands in sharp contrast to the vital contributions women make to the local economy (National
Bureau of Statistics, 2020). This study takes a closer look at how NGO programs have touched
the lives of these women, exploring both the numbers and the personal stories behind changes in
their socioeconomic status (SES).
Methods: To truly understand what’s happening, this study combined survey data and interviews
from four local government areas in Southern Taraba. Researchers spoke with 402 women aged
18 to 60—some involved in NGO programs, some not. The team crunched the numbers using
statistical tools and also sat down for conversations with 16 women and two focus groups. By
bringing together both statistics and personal stories, the research paints a fuller picture of how
NGO projects have shaped women’s daily lives and opportunities.
Results: Participation in NGO programs made a real difference. Women who took part were
much more likely to improve their economic situation—statistically; they were 4.5 times as likely
to reach a higher socioeconomic level as those who didn’t. Microcredit and skills training
especially helped women boost their incomes and buy assets. For many, a microloan was the
turning point: it allowed them to grow their farms, sell extra produce, and support their families
in new ways. One participant shared that with her new skills and small business; she could now
pay school fees and contribute to household decisions. However, the journey was not without
obstacles—some women still faced push-back against traditional gender expectations, and
maintaining the benefits after the NGOs left remained a challenge.
NGO efforts have genuinely improved the lives of many rural women in Southern Taraba. The
most progress came when economic support was combined with education and training. Still, for
these changes to last, it’s essential to address the deeper social and cultural barriers that women
face and to make sure local support systems can keep going even after the NGOs move on.