THE ROLE OF NGOS ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT TOWARDS POVERTY ALLEVIATION: A CASE STUDY OF WOFAN IN NASSARAWA LGA

Women empowerment has been widely recognized as a critical strategy for poverty alleviation, particularly in developing societies where women face socio-economic and cultural constraints. This study examines the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in empowering women towards poverty alleviation, using the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) in Nassarawa Local Government Area as a case study. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design and utilizes both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews administered to beneficiaries of WOFAN programs, while secondary data were sourced from textbooks, journals, reports, and official documents. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that WOFAN has significantly contributed to women empowerment in Nassarawa LGA through skills acquisition, access to microcredit, agricultural support, capacity building, and health and educational awareness programs. These interventions have improved beneficiaries’ income levels, self-reliance, decision-making power, and overall living standards. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited coverage, low literacy levels among beneficiaries, and cultural barriers were identified as factors constraining the effectiveness of WOFAN’s programs. The study concludes that NGOs play a vital role in promoting women empowerment and poverty reduction at the grassroots level. It therefore recommends increased government support, enhanced funding mechanisms, community sensitization, and stronger partnerships between NGOs and relevant stakeholders to sustain and expand women empowerment initiatives for effective poverty alleviation.