The data collection phase of the We Can Work programme, a transformative regional initiative designed to impact the lives of one million young women and men with disabilities across seven African countries has been completed in Nigeria.
The Country Lead for the research exercise, Racheal Inegbedion has revealed the study also took place in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal and Ghana.
The research project commissioned by the Ghana-based research firm, Participatory Development Associate with the support from Light for the World (LFTW) in and the Mastercard Foundation, commenced in Nigeria in July 2024.
This initiative is part of an effort to facilitate dignified and fulfilling employment for youth with disabilities in sectors such as agriculture, digital and creative economy.
The Primary Investigator, Racheal Inegbedion, who is also the Founding Executive Director of the Special Needs Initiative for Growth (SNIG), revealed that the baseline study took place in six Nigerian states: Abia, Borno, Imo, Kano, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
These states weren’t chosen at random. Each one ties directly to areas where the We Can Work (WCW) programme sees the most potential in agriculture, the digital economy, and creative industries.
The focus of the WCW programme baseline study was to identify barriers that have kept young people with disabilities on the sidelines.
According to Racheal Inegbedion, “This study provided essential insights into the realities faced by youth with disabilities in Nigeria. We engaged diverse communities, ensuring their voices and experiences informed the strategies that will drive sustained employment opportunities.”
The assessment applied a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions for over 500 study participants.
The data collected will help shape national interventions tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of different disability clusters.
Although the release date for the baseline report has not been set, Nigeria should be optimistic that evidence from the research will serve as a foundation for shaping future policies and initiatives aimed at creating better economic opportunities for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
This is the time for stakeholders across government agencies, civil society, and the private sector to design tailored programmes that build on the findings of the WCW programme baseline assessment.