Agbeyewa Farms Limited, a leading agricultural enterprise headquartered in Ekiti State, Nigeria, has embarked on an ambitious mission to revolutionize cassava farming and enhance food security within the nation. The company’s comprehensive 12-point agenda outlines a transformative approach to cassava cultivation, processing, and distribution, promising to elevate the crop’s status and drive economic growth. This strategic blueprint was recently presented to a delegation from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) during a working visit to the farm, signifying the initiative’s potential to attract international collaboration and support. Central to this agenda is a landmark agreement signed between Agbeyewa Farms’ Chairman, Niyi John Olajide, and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of a state-of-the-art cassava farm spanning an impressive 100,000 hectares within the state. The sheer scale of this project underscores the company’s commitment to significantly impacting cassava production and its downstream value chain.
The core of Agbeyewa Farms’ strategy lies in empowering local farmers through a structured in-grower/out-grower cooperative program. This innovative approach organizes farmers into cooperatives of 100-150 members, each responsible for managing a 500-hectare plot. This collaborative model aims to leverage the collective strength of the farming community while providing access to resources, training, and market opportunities. By consolidating resources and expertise, the cooperatives are poised to achieve economies of scale and enhance productivity. This model also fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the initiative. Through this cooperative framework, Agbeyewa Farms aims to create a robust and resilient cassava production ecosystem that benefits both the company and the local farming communities.
Agbeyewa Farms is not just focused on increasing production; it’s also building a supportive ecosystem for the farmers involved. The company’s comprehensive plan encompasses several key initiatives designed to bolster the success of the cooperative program. These initiatives include a partnership with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to facilitate massive land clearing and preparation for the 2025 farming season, ensuring that farmers have access to arable land. Furthermore, the establishment of an in-house training academy will equip farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to optimize their yields and adopt best practices in cassava cultivation. Recognizing the importance of community development, Agbeyewa Farms plans to create an Agbeyewa Model Town. This integrated community will offer residential units, schools, healthcare facilities, recreational spaces, and a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for efficient transportation within and outside the community.
Beyond its operational plans, Agbeyewa Farms also recognizes the importance of strategic partnerships and external support. The company is actively seeking collaboration with international donors, including USAID and the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), to further bolster its ambitious program. This support would focus on critical areas such as farmer integration, infrastructure development, initial operational costs, training programs, enhancement of cooperative operations, and market integration through off-taker arrangements. Securing these partnerships would provide the necessary financial and technical resources to scale up the initiative and ensure its long-term sustainability. By leveraging the expertise and resources of international organizations, Agbeyewa Farms aims to maximize the impact of its program and create a lasting legacy of agricultural transformation in Nigeria. The company’s proactive approach to seeking external support demonstrates its commitment to creating a robust and impactful initiative.
The overarching vision of Agbeyewa Farms extends beyond simply increasing cassava production; they strive to ignite a “cassava revolution” in Nigeria. Recognizing the untapped potential of cassava as a staple crop, the company aims to elevate its importance in the national agricultural landscape. By demonstrating the economic viability of large-scale cassava cultivation and processing, Agbeyewa Farms hopes to stimulate broader interest and investment in the sector. This ambition aligns with the broader national goals of food security, economic growth, and rural development. Through its multifaceted approach, the company seeks to not only transform the cassava landscape but also empower local communities and contribute to a more prosperous Nigeria. This vision positions cassava as a driver of growth and prosperity, transforming its perception from a subsistence crop to a valuable economic asset.
Agbeyewa Farms is not simply conceptualizing a future project; they are actively engaged in large-scale operations. The company is currently cultivating 10,000 hectares of land across nine communities in Ekiti State. Parallel to these farming activities, a 26-hectare agro-processing plant is nearing completion. This state-of-the-art facility will further expand the value chain by producing high-quality cassava derivatives, including flour, starch, and ethanol. This vertical integration, from farm to processing plant, positions Agbeyewa Farms as a key player in the cassava industry and ensures greater control over the quality and consistency of its products. By adding value through processing, the company aims to capture a larger share of the market and enhance the economic benefits of cassava cultivation.
In summary, Agbeyewa Farms Limited is driving a substantial shift in the Nigerian agricultural sector through its ambitious cassava cultivation project. By combining innovative farming techniques, community development initiatives, strategic partnerships, and a strong commitment to empowering local farmers, the company is poised to transform the perception and potential of cassava in Nigeria. The 12-point agenda not only focuses on increasing production but also on fostering sustainable practices, creating economic opportunities, and building a thriving community around cassava cultivation. This comprehensive approach positions Agbeyewa Farms as a significant driver of agricultural growth and food security in the country.
