The Nation Newspaper

Category: Agriculture

  • Polaris Bank partners NCF to extend tree planting initiative to Abuja, Anambra

    Polaris Bank partners NCF to extend tree planting initiative to Abuja, Anambra

    Polaris Bank, in a robust display of its commitment to environmental sustainability, has expanded its nationwide tree-planting initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

    The latest exercise took place at Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 14, 2024, following a similar event at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State just days earlier and Professor K.K Nwozor commended the Bank for its conservation efforts.

    The initiative is part of a broader strategy by Polaris Bank to align its operations with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), which stresses the urgent need for land restoration and resilience against desertification and drought. The theme resonates with the 2024 World Environment Day, underscoring the bank’s proactive stance in promoting sustainable practices aimed at restoring degraded lands and enhancing biodiversity across Nigeria.

    Osazuwa Igbinoba, Directorate Head for Abuja, articulated the bank’s ethos, stating, “Sustainability is embedded in our business strategy and actions at Polaris Bank.” He noted that the tree-planting efforts not only aim to restore natural ecosystems but also focus on planting economic trees to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.

    Read Also: 250 women to benefit from Polaris Bank’s free screenings for cancer

    Chiwetalu Nwatu, Directorate Head for the South East, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing that sustainability is at the heart of the Bank’s operations, encompassing more than just financial services. He noted that Polaris Bank’s approach integrates responsible banking with societal empowerment and environmental responsibility, all grounded in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

    The significance of tree planting as a countermeasure against climate change cannot be overstated. Thus, the initiative addresses critical issues such as soil erosion, air quality improvement, and climate regulation through carbon dioxide absorption. The bank’s efforts are not isolated; they form part of a nationwide campaign that has seen similar initiatives executed at various educational institutions and community reserves across Nigeria.

    The Bank’s nationwide Tree planting exercises were held recently at Tai Solarin University, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State on July 1st; Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa in Kano State on August 30th; and University of Ibadan, Oyo State on October 3rd.These events illustrate Polaris Bank’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental restoration.

    This project not only enhances local ecosystems but also serves as a public call to action on the importance of environmental preservation. Through collaborative efforts like these, Polaris Bank seeks to inspire individuals, communities and organizations to engage in environmental restoration and contribute to a sustainable future for all.

    Polaris Bank, in collaboration with the NCF, remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being and corporate responsibility, as demonstrated through these impactful tree-planting activities. 

    Through this project, the Bank aims to inspire individuals, communities and organizations to foster a culture of sustainability throughout Nigeria.

  • Farmers, vulnerable groups receive NEDC’s tractors, other intervention items

    Farmers, vulnerable groups receive NEDC’s tractors, other intervention items

    The physically challenged community, religious groups, farmers and some other residents of Yola have benefitted from relief items donated by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

    The Adamawa Office of the commission presented the wide array of intervention items at the commission’s state store in the capital, Yola, urging equitable distribution by group leaders to intended beneficiaries.

    Food and nonfood items that included 30,000 bags of rice; brocades and children’s wears and blankets were handed to cooperative groups, religious groups; and people with disability and other vulnerable persons. 

    Agricultural and produce processing machines including 40 ridgers and 30 2-discploughs; 35 walking tractors and 35 trailers, 30 planters & harvesters, and 16 rice mills as well as 2000 bags of fertilizer were handed to the Adamawa State Food Security Committee for distribution to farmers.

    The acting Coordinator of the NEDC in Adamawa State, Fatima Bakari, who presented the materials to benefitting groups, also announced that in the commission’s latest interventions, it is desilting and evacuating municipal waste from drainages spanning 60,000 metres within the state. 

    Read Also: FinTech can drive inclusive growth in Nigeria, says Niyi Toluwalope

    She advised representatives of benefitting groups to follow suggested criteria in ensuring that the items get to those who need them most. 

    Reverend Zenald Zidon Love who represented NGOs and Christian community during the distribution flag off ceremony, said the food and nonfood items would be highly appreciated by beneficiaries at these difficult times.

    Receiving the agricultural machines meant for farmers, the Chairman of Adamawa State Food Security Committee, Dishi Khobe, thanked the NEDC for donating the agricultural machines and fertilizer, and assured the commission that hey will be equitably distributed to farmers cooperatives that had already been identified for onward distribution to end users.

  • Cassava farmers get AATF agronomic practices training programme in Oyo

    Cassava farmers get AATF agronomic practices training programme in Oyo

    The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has officially launched a Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) training programme aimed at enhancing the skills of cassava farmers and processors in the Southwest. 

    The programme, which was launched at the Fashola farms, Oyo, targets over 6,000 beneficiaries, with a particular focus on empowering women and youths.

    The weeklong training, facilitated by the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, kicked off with the first batch of 1,000 participants, consisting of farmers and processors frkm different parts of the Southwest states. 

    This marks the initial phase of the training series, which is expected to span over three years. 

    The Nation reports that AATF had previously committed, during the inauguration of the Cassava Mechanization and Agro-Processing Facility in April 2024, to train 6,000 farmers and processors. 

    The initiative will gradually scale up with 1,000 trainees in 2024, 2,000 in 2025, and 3,000 in 2026.

    In addition to the farmers, the program will include 1,000 processors, primarily women from Oyo and Ogun states, with a focus on value addition in cassava processing. 

    By equipping them with essential skills, the training seeks to improve their livelihoods through better production methods and increased value creation.

    Speaking during the launch of the training program, at Fashola farms, Oyo, AATF’s Programme Officer for Agribusiness,

    Mr. Kehinde Jimoh, emphasized that this initiative is part of AATF’s broader commitment to enhancing the productivity of cassava farmers and processors. 

    He stated, “This training is focused on empowering farmers and processors with best agronomic practices and value addition strategies, which will lead to significant improvements in their livelihoods and cassava productivity.”

    Director of Tuber Crops Research at NRCRI, Dr. Adeyemi Olojede expressed delight at the institute’s involvement in the program. 

    He noted the importance of the training not only in boosting cassava production but also in enhancing value addition, which will provide farmers with alternative income streams. 

    “Due to the significant impact this training will have on cassava farmers in Southwest Nigeria, NRCRI has deployed a team of experts to ensure that the objectives are met and that the facility contributes to the nation’s food security efforts,” Dr. Olojede said.

    Read Also: Establishment of ethanol plants, others excite cassava farmers, boost incomes

    The training program, hosted by AATF and facilitated by NRCRI experts, is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with AATF, Agridrive Ltd., and Clayuca Corporation. 

    The training covers critical areas such as best agronomic practices, cassava value addition, and prudent financial management, all within the framework of the “Mechanization of Cassava Production and Processing Project” under the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag).

    The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to improving cassava farming and processing in Nigeria, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance productivity and sustain their livelihoods.

  • World Food Day 2024: Championing food security, sustainable agriculture

    World Food Day 2024: Championing food security, sustainable agriculture

    In an effort to champion the strides for a hunger-free future, the World Food Day community-based sensitisation has raised the awareness about sustainable agriculture, food security, and the importance of establishing planting hubs in individual homes. 

    The event, hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems and chaired by Honourable Commissioner Abisola Olusanya, was organised in partnership with the BATN Foundation, Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group, and other private groups. 

    The sensitisation awareness kicked off from Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park, opposite the Lagos House of Assembly in Ikeja and its environs. 

    The walk symbolised a collective commitment to promoting sustainable practices that ensure food security for all.

    This year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” emphasised the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat food insecurity, particularly through local initiatives and sustainable agriculture that promote self-sufficiency. 

    The critical need for sustainable food system was chaired. Individuals, families, and communities were encouraged to adopt sustainable practices such as home planting hubs, urban gardening, and community farms. 

    The grassroot efforts play a crucial role in building resilient food systems that can respond to future challenges.

    According to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security, food is essential for human survival, and food security means that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life. 

    It notes that a nation that guarantees food availability to all its citizens becomes stronger and more stable; however, food insecurity renders a country vulnerable and overly dependent on external aid.

    Read Also: Reps urge govt to address food smuggling, insecurity

    Lagos, considered the smallest state in Nigeria, occupies a unique position with its complex network of lagoons, rivers, and water bodies constituting 22 percent of its territory. 

    Yet, it is also the most populous state, making access to food critical. Identifying and implementing solutions that support both farming and food security is essential to the state’s future.

    In 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture developed a 5-year Agricultural and Food Systems roadmap aimed at increasing food production to 40 percent self-sufficiency by 2025, up from the current 20 percent. 

    This roadmap outlined strategies to encourage youth participation, stimulate private sector investment, attract donor funding for agricultural projects, and create new partnerships across the agricultural value chain, focusing on areas where Lagos has competitive and comparative advantages.

    Olusanya commended the Lagos State government’s continued efforts toward food security, emphasising the need for unified and intensified actions to build more sustainable food systems. 

    She highlighted the importance of scaling food production and processing, reducing food waste, and providing decent livelihoods for Lagosians. 

    “Food security is crucial in bringing families together,” she said, noting that food is an integral part of Nigerian society and the cultural heritage of Lagos.

    Board member, BATN Foundation, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, emphasised the significance of the day’s activities, saying, “Today is not just about walking together; it’s about walking towards a future where no one has to worry about their next meal. It’s about ensuring our communities thrive, our environment is protected, and our efforts to drive food security remain strong.”

    General Manager of the Foundation, Odusanya Oludare, on his part, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. 

    “Our partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food systems and other stakeholders is driven by a shared vision for sustainable agriculture. We must invest in agricultural innovations, promote planting hubs in homes, and communities, reduce food waste, and build resilient, sustainable food systems,” he said.

    The walk serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility toward fostering sustainability within communities, aligning with the global goal of food security and ensuring that no one is left behind. 

    As World Food Day approaches on October 16, it becomes clear that sustainable agriculture is no longer an option but a necessity to secure the future of our communities. Let us work together to build sustainable food systems that guarantee long-term food security for all.

  • Reps urge govt to address food smuggling, insecurity

    Reps urge govt to address food smuggling, insecurity

    The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, implement the Exports (Prohibition) Act, 2004 to curb food smuggling and food insecurity in Nigeria.

    The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to provide more incentives for farmers to boost agricultural production and productivity.

    The Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Legislative Compliance, Customs, Commerce and Industry were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

    These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Curb Export Prohibition Act to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria” sponsored by Hon. Muktar Shagaya.

    Read Also; 13 repentant terrorists escape with govt rifles in Borno

    The House noted that Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

    It also noted that Nigeria is currently experiencing high levels of food insecurity, food inflation, and food shortages.

    This situation, it said, has led to millions of citizens lacking access to sufficient and nutritious food, resulting in untold hardship, hunger, and misery among the population.

    The House was concerned about reports from the World Bank and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) indicating that over 31.8 million Nigerians, approximately 16% of the population, are currently facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition among women and children.

    It was also concerned that food smuggling and exportation is a major driver of the current food insecurity, with large quantities of food products smuggled out of the country, consequently undermining agricultural output and threatening the livelihoods of farmers.

    The House said it was aware that the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004 was passed at a period when the majority of Nigerians were unable to acquire basic necessities like rice, corn, yam, garri, cassava, and beans due to the fact that these goods were being transported, sometimes covertly, to foreign markets.

    It worried that the failure to implement the said legislation overtime has led to severe food shortages, high food prices, increased food insecurity, and the loss of revenue for farmers and the federal government.

    The House said it was cognizant of the need to address the current food crisis by enforcing the Export (Prohibition) Act, 2004 to prevent food exportation, ensure food availability, and reduce the cost of living for Nigerians.

  • Innovation: Deborah Okedoyin puts plant-based meat safety solutions on the menu

    Innovation: Deborah Okedoyin puts plant-based meat safety solutions on the menu

    Deborah Okedoyin, a PhD student at Kansas State University, is pioneering research that combines plant-based nutraceuticals with cutting-edge technologies to enhance livestock health and food safety.

    Her work focuses on the application of natural compounds, such as essential oils and polyphenols, in livestock diets, aiming to improve gut health and decrease the reliance on antibiotics.

    Utilizing bioinformatics and omics techniques, Okedoyin investigates the effects of these compounds on gene expression and gut microbiota in animals.

    This research is critical in reducing bacterial contamination in meat products, addressing global food safety concerns, and promoting sustainable practices in the meat industry.

    Read Also: ‘Adapting innovation will boost food systems’

    Recognised internationally for her contributions, Okedoyin’s findings have been showcased at leading scientific conferences and published in high-impact journals.

    Her innovative approach not only enhances livestock health but also directly tackles the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance, a growing concern in food safety.

    By integrating traditional ethnoveterinary practices with modern science, Okedoyin is setting new standards for the meat industry.

    Her research addresses key challenges in both pre-and post-harvest processes, offering practical solutions that promise to create safer, healthier meat products for consumers.

    As an award-winning researcher, she is viewed as a rising star in the field of food safety and sustainable farming, making significant strides toward a more secure global food system.

    Her work represents a transformative step forward in ensuring that meat production is both safe and sustainable, contributing to the future of food security worldwide.

    Deborah is a fellow at the International Livestock Congress (ILC).

  • Why youths should embrace agriculture, by Agriprenure

    Why youths should embrace agriculture, by Agriprenure

    An Agriprenure, Ambassador Segun Alabi has called on Nigerian youths to embrace pineapple farming, for self sufficiency, instead of the ‘japa syndrome’, which he described as modern day slavery.

    Alabi also called on both the federal and state governments to provide enabling environment that will make Nigerians, especially the youths to embrace agriculture, through provision of security and social amenities that will discourage rural-urban migration.

    Alabi, who is the CEO of Davidorlah Nigeria Limited and founder of Davidorlah Farm, made the call while allocating pineapple farms to about 200 farmers, who had subscribed to it in his pineapple farms plantation, located in Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu North local government area of Ogun State.

    He noted that the allocation marks a key milestone in the company’s mission to position Nigeria, as a leading pineapple exporter in the world in the next few years.

    While describing pineapple farming as a lucrative business, Alabi noted that pineapple farms is immune to destruction by cattle, unlike other crops .

    He said , “part of our goals in Davidorlah Farm is to elevate pineapple production in the country, and transform the country into one of the leading exporters of pineapples in the next few years, but today, Nigeria is number eight in countries that plant pineapple in the world”. 

    “Our goal is to make Davidorlah the largest pineapple exporter in the world, targeting 50,000 farmers in the next five years,” he explained.

    “Pineapple cultivation has positive socio-economic implications and creates jobs for many people in rural areas, thereby contributing to reducing unemployment and poverty”. 

    Alabi said, the company has the largest pineapple farm in Africa, spanning over 1,000 hectares. 

    While explaining the value chain in pineapple, he noted that apart from using the fruit for juice, its peel can be used for bio-fuel production, creation of renewable energy, cloth production as well as shoes. 

    He emphasized the need for government support to create an enabling environment for agricultural businesses to thrive.

    “We need an environment full of peace, free from insecurity, and conducive to making agriculture a productive sector, through provision of adequate security, rehabilitation of rural roads, provision of other social amenities, like school, health facilities as well as electricity will go a long way. Government’s assistance through grants or loans to farmers would be highly appreciated,” he added.

    Alabi also called for partnerships from government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations such as World Bank to further the company’s mission. 

    He urged Nigerian youths to focus on developing their country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. “It’s the people who developed those places they are running to. If we are determined, we can make Nigeria great,” he advised.

    The allocation of these farms is a step towards realizing Davidorlah’s vision of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and positioning the country as a global leader in pineapple production and exportation.

  • Five major cash crops in Nigeria

    Five major cash crops in Nigeria

    Agriculture is a highly lucrative business in Nigeria, choosing the right crops to cultivate is crucial for profitability and success. Although many Nigerian youths would rather prefer white collar jobs than going into farming; Farming in Nigeria could also be seen as a profitable business if well taken care of. However,  people tend to look at the disadvantage instead of the advantage.

    Here are some crops that could bring wealth if planted and well groomed;

    1. Cocoa :

    Cocoa remains one of Nigeria’s most exportable crops, offering significant export earnings. Investing in a cocoa plantation is a long-term venture that can provide returns for the investor’s lifetime. Cocoa has diverse applications, including the production of cocoa butter, cake, liquor, beverages, and cosmetics. Additionally, cocoa by-products can be used as organic fertilizer and livestock feed.

    Establishing a cocoa farm requires a larger capital investment, typically ranging from ₦1,000,000 to ₦2,000,000. However, the potential profits from a one-hectare cocoa farm can range from ₦1,500,000 to ₦3,000,000. A large expanse of land with deep, fertile, aerated, and loamy soil is essential for cocoa cultivation.

     The demand for cocoa is steadily rising, and prices are favorable. Cocoa serves as a good source of foreign exchange. The abolition of the cocoa board by the Federal Government has boosted non-oil exports, benefiting cocoa farmers. Despite this, the domestic and export demand for cocoa beans exceeds supply. Cocoa bean prices have surged by 400% in recent years.

    2. Rice :

    Rice farming is one of the most significant agricultural activities in Nigeria, a country known for its rich soil and favourable climate. Nigerian rice cultivation is a vital source of livelihood for millions of farmers across the country, providing food security and income generation. Cultivating rice in Nigeria involves various practices ranging from planting to processing. Despite its importance, several challenges still hinder the growth of Nigeria’s rice agriculture.

    Read Also: Most Nigerian clerics, monarchs, political leaders are corrupt, says Olugbon

    Rice farming in Nigeria involves various planting techniques dependent on the farmers’ preference, access to technology and soil condition. In Nigeria, the most commonly used planting techniques for rice cultivation are direct wet seeding and transplanting rice seedlings. Transplanting allows for better weed control and efficient use of land. However, it requires more labour, irrigation, and a longer growing period. Direct seeding is faster, but it results in lower yields due to competition from weeds, water stress, and other environmental factors.

    The most commonly grown rice varieties in Nigeria are upland and lowland rice. Lowland rice is grown in flooded conditions, while upland rice is grown in non-flooded areas. Both varieties have different soil and water requirements and can be farmed using different techniques.

    3. Cassava :

    Cassava is a root crop that thrives in the rainy season in Nigeria. It is used in making various Nigerian dishes such as fufu, eba, and garri. Cassava can be planted between April and June when the rainfall is high. It requires good soil preparation, weed control, and adequate moisture to grow successfully.

    However, Cassava being a staple crop in Nigeria, offers great profit potential. With an initial capital investment ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, you can establish a small-scale cassava farm. Depending on market conditions and yield, a one-hectare cassava farm can generate profits of up to ₦500,000.

    The heavy reliance on wheat flour imports in Africa has had a major impact on the trade-balance deficit, with the importation of Western customs of wheat bread consumption weighing heavily on African economies. In recent years, the importation of wheat into African countries has significantly impacted the GDP of the countries on the continent.

     By investing in cassava, African countries can reduce their dependence on imported wheat flour, improve food security and support economic growth. Cassava is a hardy crop that is capable of growing in harsh conditions and can be used to produce a wide range of products, including flour, ethanol and animal feed. Cassava is also a major source of carbohydrates and provides important nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. With the right growing conditions, cassava can produce up to 50 tonnes of fresh roots per hectare, making it one of the most productive crops in the world.

     Despite its potential, cassava has often been overlooked as a crop for commercial production. However, with the global demand for food increasing, the potential for cassava to contribute to Africa’s agricultural growth is becoming increasingly apparent.

    4. Tomato:

    Tomatoes are widely consumed and have a high demand throughout the year. Establishing a tomato farm requires an estimated capital investment of ₦200,000 to ₦500,000. A well-managed one-hectare tomato farm can generate profits ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦800,000.

    Tomato farming has been a money spinner for ages due to the fact that almost everybody eats the vegetable.

    From Nigeria to Ghana, The United Kingdom to Japan, Ondo to Zaria, Aba to Lokoja and Lagos to Abuja, tomato is a produce that can turn you to a millionaire in no time if you follow all the necessary protocols while farming it.

    In Nigeria, tomato farming is predominantly done in the northern part of the country. Most states in the north like Kano, Jigawa, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Zamfara and Kogi have huge tomato plantations.

    Tomato farming is also done in the southern part of Nigeria. Today, a lot of people even cultivate tomato in Lagos state, hitherto Lagos was not known as a tomato growing area.

    It is a fact that over 80% of tomato farmers in Nigeria still cultivate tomatoes in the old and outdated ways. This has made the average yield of tomatoes in Nigeria to be about 2 tonnes.

    5. Maize:

     Maize is the most abundantly produced cereal in the world. It is grown in every continent except Antarctica. About 50 species exist and consist of different colors, textures, and grain shapes and sizes. White, yellow, and red are the most common cultivated maize types. The white and yellow varieties are preferred by most people depending on the region. Maize, which was domesticated in central Mexico around 1500 BC, was introduced into Africa around 1500 AD, and spread to every corner of the continent within a relatively short period and is now Africa’s most important cereal crop.

     In Nigeria, maize is consumed by a large number of families and households in many different forms. Maize cultivation and farming is done on a small, medium or big scale across the country. It is therefore an important source of income for many Nigerian farming households.

     Despite the fact that it comes in a variety of colors, grain shapes and sizes, the popular cereal is mostly accessible for cultivation and consumption in two varieties: white and yellow maize. Yellow maize is mostly utilised for feed and human consumption, whereas the white variety is used for agriculture.

  • Revamping food sector through innovation for greater efficiency

    Revamping food sector through innovation for greater efficiency

    The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is leading an initiative of CGIAR on Rethinking Food Markets and Value Chains for Inclusion and Sustainability to enhance efficiency and generate more jobs and better incomes for youth and women. JULIANA AGBO, writes.

    The agricultural and food sector is facing increasing pressure to boost sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in the face of modern challenges like food security, climate change, and the need for sustainable practices.

    Traditional farming methods are no longer sufficient, prompting the need for innovative approaches that transform how food is produced, processed, and consumed.

    However, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), under the CGIAR initiative, is leading the charge with the project intervention, “Rethinking Food Markets and Value Chains for Inclusion and Sustainability.”

    The initiative led by IFPRI is aimed at transforming the food sector by scaling innovative approaches to enhance efficiency, equity, and sustainability, and generate more jobs and better incomes for youth and women.

    It encompasses six key interventions: cool transportation of perishables; cold storage for perishable products for loss management; solar dryer innovations for post-harvest food loss management; plastic crates with training and capacity building intervention; improved seeds with training and capacity strengthening; and agricultural/digital finance intervention.

    Through this Initiative, IFPRI in collaboration with other CGIAR centers and local partners/stakeholders have designed, piloted, and implemented various technologies and innovations in Nigeria.

    Speaking at a workshop on innovation scaling preparedness and strategy, Senior Research Fellow Markets, Trade and Institutions at IFPRI, Dr. Futoshi Yamauchi, emphasised that the beneficiaries of the interventions go beyond smallholder farmers.

    Read Also: Fed Govt, WEMA Bank partner to empower 500,000 women

    The project, he said,  involves multiple actors along the value chain, from production to retail consumers.

    Yamauchi said the workshop, served as a platform to share outcomes, gain insights, and receive suggestions from stakeholders.

    The project, which he said is currently at its mid-point, has introduced  key interventions aimed at boosting productivity and improving market linkages in the horticulture sector.

    One of the standout innovations, he discussed was the solar-powered cold storage and cool transportation, which allows for the preservation of perishable products in areas without reliable power supply.

    These interventions, Yamauchi said, are being piloted in key locations, such as Jos, Bauchi, and Gombe, with products being transported to major markets like Mile 12 in Lagos State.

    Yamauchi explained that the project is still in the learning phase, with data being collected to assess the impact of the interventions.

     He highlighted the importance of ongoing research and data analysis, which will inform future policy discussions with the government.

    “The project is expected to conclude its official activities by the end of 2024, with final reports and findings to be shared by mid-2025”, he said.

    Yamauchi, who leads the initiative under work package 2 which is innovation

    for inclusive and sustainable growth of domestic food value chains, noted that it focuses on vegetables and fruits values chain in Nigeria.

    He added that the initiative is aimed at  improving participation and profitability of smallholder farms and agri food SMEs.

    According to him, the Work package 3 of the Initiative which is innovations and policy design for development for cross-value chain services to leverage new employment and income opportunities,  focuses on logistics and digital financial innovations to understanding how emerging innovations in cross-value chain services be designed to increase employment and income opportunities within the agrifood sector.

    In his assertion, a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Jos, Professor Dauda Bawa, who spearheads off-grid cooling which involves the solar-powered cold storage and cool transportation to reduce horticultural losses, said the initiative aims to significantly extend the shelf life of horticultural crops in Nigeria while enhancing the efficiency of the agricultural value chain.

    “The essence of this project is to improve the lifespan of perishable horticultural products, such as vegetables, by using a power-solid cold storage system,” said Professor Bawa.

     “This will drastically reduce spoilage, boost the income of farmers and marketers, and ensure consumers have access to fresh, healthy produce.”

    The project has already been tested in three origin markets where horticultural products are transported to the Mile 12 International Market in Lagos. The use of refrigerated cold storage and plastic crates, instead of traditional raffia, has resulted in a 95-98% reduction in vegetable losses.

     According to Bawa, “This system also creates employment opportunities for transporters, farmers, and other stakeholders, contributing to the overall economy.”

    He noted that the cold storage system, operating under a controlled atmosphere, maintains the optimal temperature for transporting vegetables, ensuring that they arrive at their destination in excellent condition.

    “By linking farmers and marketers to this efficient system, he said the project is poised to transform the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

    In addition to reducing spoilage, Bawa added that the system will improve the health of consumers by providing them with fresher produce. “By implication, this project is not just benefiting the economy but also improving public health,” Professor Bawa added.

    He however said the off-grid cooling system is expected to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural logistics, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges of food spoilage and transportation inefficiencies.

    However, Business Development Executive at Crop2Cash, Babafemi Adewumi, said the organisation focuses on leveraging innovation to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly in accessing critical resources such as finance, input supplies, and advisory services.

    Adewumi highlighted the company’s collaboration with the CGIAR’s initiative led by IFPRI.

    According to him, the partnership introduces a new intervention model that incorporates a 10 percent cash component to the existing input financing provided by Crop2Cash.

    The cash, he said, is aimed at addressing farmers’ immediate needs, such as labour and logistics costs, thereby enhancing their overall productivity.

    He explained that Crop2Cash has also adopted a cooperative-based model to mitigate the risk of default.

    “Farmers must belong to a cooperative and meet specific criteria, such as having been farming for at least two to three years. This strategy allows Crop2Cash to perform background checks, ensuring that farmers are not overstretched with multiple loans”.

    On her part,  the Knowledge Transfer Manager for East and West  foundation, Ruth Ardzard, noted that the foundation, which specialises in vegetable farming, is working with farmers to improve their skills in six key areas of vegetable production, starting with proper seed establishment.

    The training, she said, covers critical aspects of farming, such as seedling production, fertilisation, water conservation, and post-harvest handling.

    “These are vital for addressing challenges like climate change and improving product quality for better market premiums”, she said.

    She added that the foundation operates through a farmer-centered model, starting with identifying a passionate lead farmer from the community who can then mobilise a group of 25 farmers for training.

    “Extension staff are stationed within the communities to offer continuous support ensuring farmers receive comprehensive guidance on market-driven crop choices and water availability.

    “The initiative is part of a broader partnership with the IFPRI. The project, which spans Kaduna and Kano states, is focused on studying the impact of the training on farmers’ productivity.

     Ardzard emphasised the importance of collaboration with local input dealers to ensure sustained support for farmers in managing pests, diseases, and other production challenges after the project.

    “With this program, hundreds of farmers in the region stand to benefit, gaining not only improved farming techniques but also enhanced market access for their produce, which promises to improve their livelihoods and contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural sector”, she added.

  • NWAPDI partners U.S-based company to boost agric technology 

    NWAPDI partners U.S-based company to boost agric technology 

    The Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) has entered into a partnership with the U.S.-based company Norcom LLC to enhance the application of agricultural technologies in Nigeria.

     The initiative aims to empower women and youth by improving farming practices through the use of advanced technology.

    This collaboration will focus on building capacity in key areas such as mechanization, reducing post-harvest losses, improving packaging and processing, and creating a comprehensive farmer database. 

    Speaking at the MoU signing event in Abuja, NWAPDI’s National Coordinator, Farmer Omolara Svensson, emphasised the importance of this partnership in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. 

    She noted that Norcom LLC’s technology will play a crucial role in helping Nigeria achieve food security and sustainability.

    Read Also: Fed Govt, WEMA Bank partner to empower 500,000 women

    “So they have the technology you know and we have the farming system that we all obviously have to move up again, step up again with the use of technology in order for us to actually achieve food sustainability and security. 

    “This would not only help us have enough to consume as a nation but then we can then talk about processing and export of commodities”

    Svensson highlighted that the youth involved in the agricultural value chain have much to learn about agricultural digitalization, making the partnership a significant opportunity for Nigerian farmers. 

    She also pointed out the need for accurate farmer data, an issue the partnership aims to address.

    “One of the problems that we’re facing really in Nigeria is first of all controlling, maintaining and owning our data, that is one of our biggest problems in this industry and the second problem that we all are facing is post-production waste so these are the two top most issues that we’ll be working on, okay how many are we? who are we? where are we? what’s the size of farmlands we have? what’s the produce we are actually producing? you know putting technologies in place that would help to track all of this and then how can we reduce the post-production waste which is actually a lot”.

    The implementation of this partnership will begin with the 2024 World Food Day celebration on October 16.

    Norcom LLC’s President, Dion Croom, who participated in the event virtually, noted that the partnership’s goal is to equip Nigerian youth with the tools to sustain themselves through technology.

     “We are here to empower NWAPDI and ensure they can stand on their own, own their data, and build their capacity,” Croom said. “This is a partnership, not a one-size-fits-all solution. We’re bringing resources, understanding, and education to help women and youth in Nigeria thrive.”

    Norcom LLC specialises in providing digital solutions for emerging markets, and the partnership is expected to have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector.