Yam Barn for Gada-Ko Humanist Women

Niger-state Nigeria

Members:

1. Saidu Raheenat

2. Peter Faith

3. Adijat nasir  

5. Nasiru Adijat

6. Usman Saidat

7. Ganiyu Balikis

8. Lasisi Aminat

9. Adams Naomi

10. Gabriel Blessing

11. Titus Marvelous

12. Abdulkareem Suliyat

13. Azeez Aisha

14. Rasheed Halimah

15. Sulaiman Fausat

16. Abubakar Jemima

17. Yusuf Haliyat

18. Ibrahim Kahiratu

19. Rahmotu Ndagi

20. SHukura Abdulateef

Email:  adijatnasiru66@gmail.com

What does humanism mean to your group?

In Gada-Ko village, a group of women is leading a transformative movement rooted in humanism, rejecting religion and its patriarchal practices. They openly identify as humanists, guided by reason, equality, and compassion rather than divine beliefs. These women believe that religion has historically oppressed them, dictating how they should live, dress, and behave. By rejecting religious doctrines, they have reclaimed their voices and agency.

Their humanism is action-oriented: they organize health workshops, run informal schools for girls, and advocate for the marginalized. They believe education, not faith, is the path to liberation, declaring that knowledge gives power not prayers. The women are vocal about gender equality, challenging discriminatory customs and mentoring young girls to aspire beyond domestic roles.

They also promote peace through dialogue rather than relying on divine intervention. Their environmental efforts are driven by responsibility to future generations, not fear of divine punishment. Through sustainable farming and rational practices, they embody ethical living.

Above all, the women of Gada-Ko advocate for the liberation of women worldwide from gender violence, economic exploitation, and religious control. For them, humanism is not just a belief but a way of life that empowers them to build a just and compassionate society.

Project Description

This project seeks to empower the Humanist Women Group in the Gada-Ko Community through the construction of a yam barn. This facility will be essential for supporting sustainable agriculture and improving post-harvest management for women farmers in the community.

The yam barn will be constructed using locally sourced materials, making the structure both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The materials are not only sustainable and readily available within the community, but also well-suited to the local climate. The combination of traditional knowledge and durable materials will ensure that the facilities are long-lasting and culturally appropriate, while also minimizing construction costs and environmental impact.

The justification for this project lies in the pressing challenges faced by women farmers in Gada-Ko. Many experience significant post-harvest losses due to poor storage, leading to food insecurity, economic instability, and wasted labor. Similarly, the lack of proper composting methods limits soil fertility and forces reliance on costly or harmful chemical fertilizers. These problems not only threaten the livelihoods of the women but also undermine broader community well-being.

By addressing these issues directly, the project will bring immense benefits to the Humanist Women Group. The yam barn will allow for the proper preservation of harvested yams, reducing rot and spoilage. In addition to the infrastructure itself, the women will receive training on storage practices and composting techniques, further enhancing their capacity.

Overall, this initiative will significantly boost the productivity, food security, and income-generating potential of the Humanist Women Group. It will promote sustainable farming practices, reduce environmental degradation, and empower women with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. By supporting this project, HuMAN is not only investing in rural development but also fostering a model of community-led sustainability grounded in humanist principles. 

Steps In Building Yam Barn

Yam Barn:

1. Planning and Site Preparation

1. Choose a Suitable Site

○ Pick a slightly elevated area to prevent flooding during rains.

○ Ensure the site is accessible for loading/unloading yams.

○ Prefer a location with good air circulation.

2. Measure and Mark the Area

○ Standard barn size: 30 m (width) × 30 m (length) × 30 m (height).

○ Use pegs and string to outline the perimeter.

3. Clear the Site

○ Remove weeds, debris, stones.

○ Level the ground using a hoe or shovel.

2. Materials and Tools Needed

Materials

● Mud bricks (for wall base) — about 1500–2000 depending on barn size.

● Wooden planks (for wall upper section & racks).

● Corrugated iron sheets (for roofing) — about 24–30 pieces, depending on overlap.

● Timber posts — 16 main corner posts + 8 side support posts.

● Nails (assorted sizes).

● Binding wire (optional for extra fastening).

● Gravel or stones (for foundation base).

● Clay or mud mortar (for laying bricks).

● Roof ridge cap (optional, for waterproofing).

● Rat guards (metal sheet collars or smooth PVC around posts).

Tools

● Hoe, shovel, spade.

● Spirit level or plumb line.

● Measuring tape.

● Hammer.

● Saw or axe.

● Trowel.

● Ladder

3. Foundation Construction

1. Dig Foundation Trenches

○ Depth: 20–30 cm.

○ Width: slightly wider than mud bricks (about 15–20 cm).

2. Lay Foundation Base

○ Place a layer of gravel or stones to improve drainage.

3. Set Corner Posts

○ Dig post holes at least 50 cm deep at each corner.

○ Use treated hardwood posts for durability.

○ Fix posts upright with stones and compacted earth.

4. Lay Mud Brick Base

○ Build 2–3 courses (layers) of mud bricks around the perimeter.

○ Mortar: use a mixture of clay, water, and a bit of straw for binding.

○ This base keeps planks off the ground and reduces rot.

4. Wall Frame & Plank Installation

1. Install Vertical Supports

○ Between corner posts, add vertical supports every 1–1.5 m.

○ Secure with nails or binding wire.

2. Attach Wooden Planks

○ Fix planks horizontally from the top of the mud brick base up to desired wall height (about 1.8–2 m).

○ Leave 1–2 cm gaps between planks for ventilation.

3. Create Door Frame

○ Leave an opening about 70–80 cm wide for a door.

○ Use planks to make a simple hinged door.

5. Roofing

1. Roof Frame

○ Nail cross-beams (rafters) to the top of the posts.

○ Ensure a slope of at least 20–30° for water runoff.

2. Fix Corrugated Iron Sheets

○ Start from the lower side and overlap sheets by at least one ridge.

○ Secure with roofing nails (with rubber washers to prevent leaks).

3. Add Ridge Cap

○ Fix a ridge cap at the roof’s peak to stop water entry.

4. Overhang

○ Allow at least 30 cm overhang to protect walls from rain.

6. Interior Arrangement

1. Racks and Tiers

○ Build 2–3 tiers of horizontal plank racks inside for stacking yams.

○ Ensure gaps for ventilation.

2. Ventilation Holes

○ Leave small openings under the roof or in upper wall planks.

3. Pest Protection

○ Wrap posts with rat guards (smooth metal or PVC collars).

○ Apply termite treatment to posts before construction.

7. Finishing Touches

● Mud Plastering (optional): Plaster mud brick base with a clay-sand mix for extra weather resistance.

● Drainage Ditch: Dig a shallow trench around the barn to divert rainwater.

● Door Lock: Install a simple latch to keep the barn secure.

8. Maintenance Tips

● Inspect the roof after storms and replace loose nails.

● Check planks for rot; replace as needed.

● Reapply mud plaster to the base annually.

Keep surroundings clear of tall grass to reduce pest hiding places.

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

Once operational, the yam barn can store up to 10 tonnes of yams, generating about $800 annually from off-season price gains. 

Benefits to your Community

● Reduces post-harvest losses for yams.

● Increases farmers’ income through seasonal price advantages.

● Improves food security by ensuring year-round availability.

● Creates local jobs during construction and operation.

● Promotes organic farming through compost production.

● Enhances soil fertility with locally produced compost.

● Encourages sustainable farming practices and waste recycling.

● Strengthens community resilience against market fluctuations.