Durian: Building rural communities of the future

Problem

In Nigeria, a significant rural-urban divide and substantial rural migration exist. In 1960, 85% of the population resided in rural areas, but this is down to 47% as of 2021. Considering that Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, this shift affects around 100 million people. Unfortunately, rural areas commonly suffer from a negative perception, contributing to an environment of rural marginalization that extends beyond mere poverty and encompasses the erosion of community bonds.

Nigeria is also the largest economy in Africa. This creates opportunities (and needs) to strengthen local supply chains and set up more sustainable and circular economic models. The top-down approach to economic development has not guaranteed development to rural communities.

Solution

Durian employs a three-pronged strategy encompassing Education, Agriculture, and Vocational Training, aimed at fostering future communities that are circular, creative, and driven by the empowerment of rural women. Durian adopts a well-structured and deliberate approach to achieving this goal. The organization initiates its efforts by systematically mapping the available resources within local communities. This process is conducted through the lens of sustainability and regenerative practices, seeking to identify elements within these communities that can contribute to local economic growth. An example is the utilization of resources like black soap made from cocoa pod husks. The findings from this assessment are subsequently shared and deliberated upon with community leaders, leading to a collaborative decision-making process on the way forward. The central strategy revolves around empowering women in rural communities to utilize their own local waste and resources as sources of livelihood. The level of local community engagement and support is substantial. Durian covers economic, social, and environmental impact objectives. Their goal extends beyond empowering rural individuals; it also aims to reshape the prevailing narrative about rural communities within Nigeria.

Durian's headquarters is situated at their Crafts Village in Imafon. However, the organization is expanding its reach to encompass additional communities. Typically, Durian's involvement within a community spans 5 years, with the possibility of extending support for an additional 2 years if necessary. Solutions are always tailored to the specific context of each community. Presently, the focus is directed toward addressing issues related to cocoa and fabric waste and cultivating cassava and bamboo.

Within the next five years, Durian plans to set up 10 operating women cooperatives with adequate market access, lifting 5000 rural women out of extreme poverty. In addition, Durian aims to convert 100 acres of farmland and build the largest network of rural women organic farmers in Nigeria.