HarvestCalc, a groundbreaking agri-tech platform, has initiated its pilot program in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing the nation’s agricultural value chain. This innovative platform seeks to bridge the gap between farmers and both local and international offtakers, effectively minimizing post-harvest losses and fueling industrial expansion by ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials. The platform launch signifies a critical step towards modernizing agricultural practices in Nigeria and empowering smallholder farmers, who constitute the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector.
The selection of Akwa Ibom State for the pilot program was strategic, based on the state’s demonstrated commitment to agricultural development and its consistent success in achieving its agricultural targets. The initial phase of the pilot program involved the enrollment of 500 farmers and the establishment of a local workforce, laying the groundwork for a wider national rollout. This localized approach allows HarvestCalc to tailor its platform to the specific needs of the region and ensures active participation from local stakeholders, including farmers, government agencies, and financial institutions.
HarvestCalc distinguishes itself through its comprehensive approach, going beyond merely connecting farmers and offtakers. The platform functions as a digital infrastructure that supports the entire agricultural ecosystem, facilitating data-driven decision-making, quality control, and market access. By providing farmers with a direct link to markets and enabling them to bypass intermediaries, HarvestCalc empowers them to secure better prices for their produce and reduces the risk of spoilage. Simultaneously, the platform ensures that manufacturers and processors have access to a consistent and reliable source of high-quality raw materials, fostering industrial growth and stimulating economic development.
The platform’s functionality centers on enabling farmers to list their produce, allowing offtakers and processors to access real-time information on available supply. This transparency and efficiency are further enhanced by integrated quality verification processes and data analytics, which support informed planning and decision-making by government agencies and other organizations. This data-driven approach allows for more effective resource allocation and targeted interventions to address challenges within the agricultural value chain.
HarvestCalc’s ambitious first-year goals include onboarding 50,000 farmers, reducing post-harvest losses by 20% in pilot states, and significantly boosting manufacturing growth through a consistent supply of raw materials. To reach farmers in remote rural areas, the platform employs a hybrid approach, combining physical onboarding through local government channels and Zenith Bank touchpoints with offline-compatible tools available in local languages. This strategy ensures accessibility and inclusivity, extending the platform’s benefits to farmers regardless of their location or technological literacy.
The initiative has garnered significant support from key stakeholders, including Zenith Bank, Care Safety Innovations (UK), and state ministries of agriculture. Further bolstering the project’s credibility and reach, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture are backing the forthcoming national launch in Abuja. These strategic partnerships underscore the widespread recognition of HarvestCalc’s potential to transform Nigerian agriculture and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The platform represents a significant step towards creating a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable agricultural sector in Nigeria, empowering farmers and driving industrial development.
