In the quiet farming community of Gulu, located in Rimin Gado Local Government Area of Kano State, life used to revolve around the long, exhausting trips villagers made to access basic grain milling services. For years, farmers like Hannatu Muhammad endured an 18-kilometre journey to Rimin Gado town just to mill grains like maize, millet, and wheat, an effort that often resulted in high post-harvest losses and income.

But today, thanks to the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), funded by the Kano State Government through the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), and implemented in part by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) under its Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture intervention, this story is changing.

At the heart of this transformation is a simple but powerful intervention: the installation of a community-based flour milling machine in Gulu.

"Quick processing means less spoilage and waste of harvested grains," says Hannatu Muhammad, Chairperson of the Gulu Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the mill. “Now, farmers no longer fear losing their harvests because of delays. They are encouraged to grow more, knowing they can process their grains quickly, right here in the village.”

For the residents of Gulu, the flour mill is more than just a machine; it is a symbol of opportunity.

The project has also created new jobs. 24-year-old Muhammad Abdullahi, a young resident of the community, was employed as the local machine operator. Every day, he earns about ₦3,000 daily, amounting to around ₦90,000 per month.

“This job changed everything for me,” he shares. “I don’t have to leave my village to earn a decent living. I can support my family while serving my community.”

Beyond personal income, the flour mill has brought ripple effects across the Gulu economy. By cutting down on transportation and logistics costs, households save both time and money. More importantly, it helps retain wealth within the community, boosting local commerce and enhancing food security.

"With the mill in place, we no longer depend on outsiders for our staple foods,” Hannatu adds. “Our food is processed locally, hygienically fresh, and readily available."

The Gulu flour mill is a shining example of how context-driven, community-owned infrastructure can unlock rural potential. Through KSADP's Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture pillar, lives are being transformed, not just with machines, but with renewed dignity, improved livelihoods, and stronger local economies.