The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Feed the Future program, has successfully empowered 311 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) over a four-year period. This initiative primarily aims to enhance agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers and was highlighted by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, at the National Agricultural Extension Service Impact-Sharing Workshop in Abuja. The minister’s remarks, delivered by Deola Lordbanjour, the Director of Agricultural Extension, focused on the significant outcomes of the collaboration, which includes new business solutions, growth in enterprises, job creation particularly for youth and women, and enhanced market access for both MSMEs and farmers.
Kyari pointed out that since 2020, the collaboration has led to the identification and implementation of various impactful agricultural practices, serving as effective business solutions for farmers. This transformation positions MSMEs as pivotal players in agricultural extension services. He emphasized the importance of providing efficient, demand-driven services to all farmers, including marginalized groups such as women and young people. Furthermore, this partnership has not only increased productivity within the sector but has also contributed significantly to the overall sustainable development of Nigeria’s agriculture.
The workshop served as a platform to showcase the achievements of the initiative, where Jean-Pierre Rousseau, Director of Winrock International, acknowledged the crucial role played by the MSMEs in facilitating innovative solutions that have reached over 2 million smallholder farmers. Rousseau emphasized the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians as a key driver behind the agrarian transformation, asserting that the contributions of MSMEs have been instrumental in enhancing productivity and input delivery directly to farmers. This direct engagement has fostered a culture of innovation that catalyzes growth within the agricultural community.
Testimonials from farmers highlighted the tangible benefits of the initiative, such as that from Garba Salifu, who reported a substantial increase in earnings, indicating the direct impact of improved agricultural practices and access to resources facilitated by the MSMEs. Salifu’s experience, which saw his income jump from N487,000 to N1.52 million in the 2023 planting season, illustrates the economic potential unleashed by the initiative. The evidence presented in these testimonies underscores the positive changes brought about by the MSME-led agricultural extension services and their effects on the livelihoods of farmers.
Dr. Ben Odoemena, Chief of Party for USAID’s Feed the Future program, reiterated the commitment of the initiative to sustainability and enhancing access to agricultural technologies. He underscored efforts to promote 39 impactful agricultural practices while also facilitating the learning and replication of effective agricultural models across several states. One notable technology introduced during this initiative is the Plantis app, which empowers farmers to independently diagnose crop issues and assess soil conditions without depending on external experts.
In summary, the collaboration between the Nigerian government and USAID through the Feed the Future program has resulted in substantial advancements in agricultural productivity, primarily benefiting smallholder farmers via MSME support. This partnership not only fosters innovative practices and technologies but also champions the importance of community engagement and sustainability in agricultural development. By providing crucial resources and support, the initiative stands as a model for empowering local enterprises and integrating them within the agricultural value chain, ultimately promoting economic growth and food security in Nigeria.
