As dusk settles and the evening call to prayer resonates, numerous fasting Muslims assemble for their iftar meals. For many, these meals are provided through the benevolence of individuals and groups sponsoring mass food production and distribution, a common act of charity during the sacred month of Ramadan.
Across various communities in Kano and indeed nationwide, this charitable practice has quietly grown into a seasonal economic engine for small-scale food entrepreneurs and petty traders. The initiative not only provides sustenance for the less fortunate but also fuels the businesses of traders whose daily sales are vital for their survival.
Hauwa Sani, an akara seller in Dorayi, Kano State, experiences Ramadan as her most active and profitable time of the year. She noted that prior to Ramadan, her daily output was around 5,000 pieces of akara, generating between N8,000 and N10,000 in profit if sales were good. However, during Ramadan, she receives numerous contracts from individuals and organizations looking to distribute iftar meals, often frying up to 30,000 pieces daily.
She further explained that these contracts could yield profits of N25,000 to N35,000 on good days, depending on the order volume and ingredient costs. "Some philanthropists request supplies for 300 to 500 people every day. Others place orders for an entire week. It has genuinely boosted my business. I've even hired two additional people to assist me during this period," Hauwa shared.
Similar to Hauwa, Bashir Muhammad, a 32-year-old producer of kunu and akamu in Ungogo Local Government Area, stated that Ramadan contracts represent more than half of his annual profit. Outside of this period, he primarily supplies local shops and individuals. During Ramadan, however, he receives large orders from those wishing to distribute meals to fasters at mosques, roadside locations, and hospitals.
Bashir indicated that he supplies an average of 1,000 sachets of kunu and akamu each day through various sponsorship arrangements. Each sachet ranges from N150 to N200, depending on its size. "On a good day, after covering my expenses, I can make up to N40,000 in profit. This has enabled me to settle outstanding debts and even purchase additional grinding machines this year," he stated.
He also highlighted that the predictable demand during Ramadan allows for more efficient production planning. "The advantage is that most sponsors provide payment in advance, giving us the necessary working capital to procure maize, millet, and sugar in bulk," Bashir added.
For many philanthropists, the primary motivation behind these initiatives is the pursuit of spiritual rewards, rather than commercial gain. Alhaji Musa Abdullahi (name changed), a Kano-based businessman, has been sponsoring Ramadan feeding for the past eight years. "This year, we are providing meals for approximately 1,200 individuals daily across three locations: a central mosque, a motor park, and a hospital," he confirmed.
He explained that contracting local food vendors, as opposed to preparing meals in-house, is a deliberate choice. "It's more convenient and efficient. The women who prepare akara and the men who make kunu possess established expertise. By awarding them contracts, we are not only feeding the needy but also supporting their livelihoods," he stated.
Alhaji Musa estimated that his Ramadan feeding program costs between N1.5 million and N2 million for the entire month, fluctuating with food prices. "Indeed, prices have risen, particularly for cooking oil and grains. However, the reward is from Allah. Witnessing people's joy and receiving their prayers makes it all worthwhile," he remarked.
Another sponsor, Hajiya Rukayya Ibrahim, mentioned that her family collectively funds iftar distributions within their neighbourhood annually. "We provide meals for about 400 individuals daily, sharing items like akara, pap, dates, and occasionally rice," she said.
She emphasized that collaborating with local vendors ensures timely deliveries and maintains quality standards. "We've been working with the same akara seller for three years; she understands our requirements. This has helped her business expand during this period. She even shared that she was able to cover her children's school fees using her Ramadan earnings," Hajiya Rukayya recounted.
Economic analysts observe that this arrangement creates a temporary yet significant 'Ramadan economy,' circulating funds within local communities. Dr. Sani Umar characterized the phenomenon as a form of "faith-driven micro- stimulus." He elaborated, "When philanthropists invest millions of naira in feeding programs, that money doesn't vanish. It flows to farmers, ingredient suppliers, transporters, and food vendors, generating a tangible multiplier effect."
However, Dr. Umar also cautioned about the challenges of sustainability. "Ramadan lasts only one month. The critical question is how these small businesses can sustain their growth trajectory after the season concludes," he noted.
In Dorayi, Hauwa confirmed that she saves a portion of her Ramadan earnings to manage the leaner months. "I am aware that this period of high demand is not permanent, so I strive to purchase utensils and set aside some savings. Last year, I reinvested my Ramadan profits into expanding my stall," she shared.
Despite the commercial benefits, both vendors and sponsors affirm that the spiritual essence of the season remains paramount. "Ramadan embodies sacrifice and generosity. If our acts of charity also contribute to someone's business growth, that is an added blessing," Alhaji Musa stated.
At a distribution point near the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, numerous fasting individuals formed orderly queues as volunteers distributed packaged portions of akara and cups of kunu shortly before sunset. The recipients included commercial drivers, security personnel, relatives of patients, and passersby.
For many beneficiaries, the daily provided meal offers relief amidst escalating living expenses. "Sometimes I lack sufficient resources to cook before coming to the hospital to care for my mother. This food allows me to break my fast without added concern," said Fatima Abubakar, a recipient of a meal pack.
As the holy month unfolds, a consistent pattern emerges: the early morning preparation of grains, the sizzle of oil in large pans, stacks of packaged meals awaiting delivery, and vehicles transporting food across neighborhoods. The outcome is a delicate equilibrium between altruism and enterprise, where spiritual devotion intertwines with economic opportunity.
Ultimately, Ramadan's spirit of generosity appears to extend far beyond those who directly receive meals. It supports petty traders, injects capital into local markets, and strengthens community ties. For vendors like Bashir, the season represents hope. "If every month mirrored Ramadan, small businesses would flourish more rapidly. However, even this single month makes a significant difference," he remarked.
As communities continue to observe the breaking of their fasts together, one aspect is evident: during the holy month, charity not only satisfies hunger but also keeps the engines of small enterprises running.
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