Durian NG

15/09/2026

Before you train a community, listen.

People already have knowledge, skills and lived experience.

Ask questions. Observe what already exists. Understand the problem people want to solve.

Otherwise, you may deliver the right training at the wrong time or provide a solution nobody needs.

The right training begins with the right questions.

What should organisations ask before entering a community?

08/09/2026

Before entering a community, understand these five things:

1. The people and leadership structure

Know the recognised leaders, informal influencers, women’s groups, youth groups, farmers and people whose voices are often overlooked.

2. The culture and language

Learn how people communicate, make decisions, resolve conflicts and relate with outsiders.

3. The predominant livelihoods

Understand how people earn, the resources they depend on and the seasons that influence their work.

4. What the community already has

Look beyond needs. Identify existing skills, knowledge, resources, institutions and solutions that are already working.

5. Their previous experiences

Understand what other organisations have done, what succeeded, what failed and why trust may have been lost.

Do not enter a community with a ready-made solution. Listen, learn and build with the people.

What else should organisations understand before working within a community?

03/09/2026

This is how cocoa begins, long before it becomes the chocolate we all enjoy.
Meet Papa, one of the farmers establishing our cocoa demonstration plot in Apedu community, Ondo State.

A cocoa seedling typically takes about three to five years to begin producing pods. After harvesting, the cocoa beans must be properly fermented and dried- two important stages that influence the quality, flavour and market value of the cocoa.

Through this demonstration plot, farmers will gain practical knowledge covering planting, farm management, harvesting, fermentation and preparation for the market.

Every bar of chocolate begins with a farmer and a seedling like this.

02/07/2026

A workspace is more than a place to complete tasks. It is where ideas are developed, decisions are made, and purpose takes shape.

The objects we choose to keep within that space should reflect the values we bring to our work. Thoughtfully crafted from sustainable bamboo, this bamboo pen holder is a reminder that functionality, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility can exist together.

Create a workspace that inspires productivity and reflects purpose.

01/07/2026

30/06/2026

Every year, thousands of young women graduate with knowledge, ambition, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to society.

Yet many opportunities ask one question:
“How much experience do you have?”

The Itaja Women Fellowship asks a different question:
“How much impact do you want to create?”

Through the Fellowship, selected participants will work directly with rural women entrepreneurs, helping strengthen businesses, improve livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable community development.

If you are a young woman residing in Ondo North or Ondo Central and hold at least a National Diploma (ND), this opportunity may be your next step.

Apply today via the link or bio, or visit https://bit.ly/ItajaFellows3

29/06/2026

Economic empowerment is never just about one person.

When a woman increases her income, families gain stability, children gain access to education, and communities become stronger.

The impact reaches far beyond a single household. It creates opportunities, strengthens local economies, and builds a future where more people can thrive.

At Durian Foundation, empowering women means investing in lasting change, because when one woman rises, many rise with her.

ImpactThatMatters

16/06/2026

The business was already there. The hard work was already there. The only thing missing was the structure to scale.

Most people think small businesses in the village stay small by choice. We know better, it's usually just a gap between having a product and having the capital and network to reach the next city.

The Itaja Women Fellowship is for women who are tired of seeing rural entrepreneurs "managing." It’s for the young woman who wants to help an entrepreneur move from survival maths to expansion strategy.

With your help as an IW Fellow, we will provide revolving resources to bridge inventory gaps and mentorship to ensure that the systems of rural business owners can handle growth.

Apply to join the next cohort. (Link in bio).

Save this if you're ready to help rural businesses stop playing small.  Send this to a young woman who fits the description.

11/06/2026

Before the harvest comes the planting.

Before the planting comes the work.

And before the work comes a simple question:

Who protects the farmer?

Every day, thousands of rural farmers walk through muddy fields, sharp thorns, slippery terrain, and unpredictable weather to grow the food that ends up on our tables.

For many of them, a single injury can mean lost income.
A rainy day can mean delayed work.
A painful step can mean reduced productivity.

That is why something as simple as a pair of farm boots can make a world of difference.

Not just because they keep feet dry.
Not just because they protect against thorns.
Not just because they provide better grip and stability on difficult terrain.

But because they help farmers work safely, confidently, and efficiently.

At Durian, we believe that supporting rural communities starts with understanding the realities they face every day and responding with practical solutions that improve lives.

Tomorrow, we will share a story of hope, dignity, and impact from communities where these boots found new owners.

Because sometimes, transformation begins with a single protected step.

CommunityImpact SustainableLivelihoods RuralCommunities