2SCALE: Fostering Inclusive Agribusiness Growth in Africa
2SCALE, a prominent incubator and accelerator program dedicated to inclusive agribusiness in Africa, recently convened a significant gathering in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, themed “Inclusive Agribusiness in Nigeria: A Public-Private Dialogue,” aimed to foster collaboration and entrepreneurship as key drivers of sustainable agricultural practices. The initiative brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the agricultural sector, financial institutions, development organizations, and government bodies, to address the critical challenge of food security and promote sustainable solutions within the agricultural value chain. The forum served as a platform for in-depth discussions on how to effectively integrate smallholder farmers, youth, and women into inclusive and profitable agricultural value chains, thereby enhancing food security and sustainability.
The 13-year journey of 2SCALE has yielded substantial impact across Nigeria and nine other African countries. The program’s focus extends beyond simply increasing agricultural yields; it centers on empowering local entrepreneurs, strengthening market linkages, and integrating inclusive approaches across both public and private sectors. Each participating farmer and SME represents a testament to innovation and resilience, showcasing the transformative potential of inclusive agribusiness models. To highlight the program’s achievements, 2SCALE unveiled an interactive digital magazine documenting its impact, alongside the premiere of a compelling documentary, “Food Soldiers: Promoting Food Security in Africa.” This film follows a Nigerian photojournalist’s exploration of the root causes of hunger and the burgeoning grassroots solutions driven by farmers, agribusiness champions, and development actors. The documentary also showcases stories from across the region, emphasizing the transnational nature of food insecurity and the collective efforts to address it.
The Dutch government, a staunch supporter of food systems transformation in Africa, reiterated its commitment to the cause. Recognizing the challenges posed by insecurity, volatile commodity prices, high input costs, and limited working capital, the Dutch Consulate-General emphasized the crucial role of public-private partnerships in driving progress. Resilient food systems necessitate resilient partnerships, and 2SCALE exemplifies how collaborative efforts between public and private sectors can lead to lasting positive change through co-investment, co-design, and co-ownership of solutions.
The impact of 2SCALE in Nigeria is particularly noteworthy. In its second phase (2019-2024), the program has facilitated access to affordable and nutritious food for over 470,000 low-income consumers. More than 166,000 smallholder farmers, with a significant representation of women (50%) and youth (40%), have received support. Eco-efficient practices have been adopted across over 95,000 hectares of farmland, and the program has surpassed its job creation target threefold, generating over 12,000 jobs. Furthermore, 2SCALE has piloted over 35 green innovations in partnership with local stakeholders. The program’s support extends across diverse agricultural sectors, including dairy, cassava, maize, vegetables, and oilseeds, benefiting SMEs, cooperatives, and agribusiness clusters.
Financial institutions play a critical role in facilitating the implementation of innovative solutions that enhance food security. Sterling Bank Plc, for instance, has been actively involved in supporting farmers and agripreneurs. The Bank of Agriculture also commended 2SCALE’s reach and reaffirmed its dedication to expanding access to finance for smallholder farmers. Initiatives such as digitizing farmer data, issuing unique IDs, and implementing credit scoring systems based on land assets and performance are paving the way for more transparent and accessible credit for farmers.
The 2SCALE program serves as a powerful example of how collaborative partnerships can drive meaningful change within the agricultural sector. By focusing on inclusive approaches, empowering local communities, and fostering innovation, 2SCALE is contributing significantly to achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development in Africa. The program’s success highlights the importance of integrating smallholder farmers, youth, and women into the value chain, promoting eco-efficient practices, and fostering strong linkages between public and private sectors. The continued support of governments and financial institutions is crucial for scaling up these initiatives and maximizing their impact on food security and economic development across the continent.
The collaboration between 2SCALE and various stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and development organizations, underscores the importance of a multi-pronged approach to address the complex challenges of food security. By facilitating access to finance, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and empowering local communities, 2SCALE is creating a ripple effect that extends beyond individual farmers and contributes to broader economic development. The program’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring the participation of women and youth, is particularly crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and equitable growth within the agricultural sector.
The integration of technology, as demonstrated by the Bank of Agriculture’s initiatives in digitizing farmer data and implementing credit scoring systems, is also a key element in driving progress. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize access to finance for smallholder farmers, traditionally marginalized due to lack of formal documentation and credit history. By leveraging technology, financial institutions can better assess risk and tailor financial products to meet the specific needs of farmers, unlocking their potential to contribute to increased food production and economic growth.
2SCALE’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the agricultural sector is another critical aspect of its success. By supporting local entrepreneurs and pilot testing green innovations, the program is fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving within the agricultural value chain. This approach not only leads to improved efficiency and productivity but also empowers local communities to take ownership of their agricultural development.
The documentary “Food Soldiers” serves as a powerful tool to raise awareness about the challenges of food security in Africa and highlight the inspiring stories of individuals and organizations working to address this issue. By showcasing the grassroots solutions and the collective effort involved in building resilient food systems, the documentary can inspire further action and mobilize support for initiatives like 2SCALE.
The success of 2SCALE demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships to deliver impactful results in the agricultural sector. The program’s model of co-investment, co-design, and co-ownership ensures that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of local communities and are implemented with
