The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has embarked on a significant initiative to empower young farmers in Nigeria through its Youth in Agribusiness Project. This project, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aims to bolster agribusiness start-ups and expansions by providing essential farm inputs and equipment to budding agricultural entrepreneurs. The most recent distribution event, held at IITA headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, saw approximately 70 young farmers receive a wide range of resources designed to enhance their agricultural practices and business ventures. This event follows similar distributions in Abuja, Kano, and Ogun states, demonstrating the widespread impact of IITA’s commitment to youth development in agriculture. The initiative underscores the institute’s recognition of the critical role young people play in transforming the agricultural landscape and contributing to food security.
The distributed items encompassed a diverse array of agricultural needs, catering to various value chains, including cassava, fish, poultry, horticulture, and cassava processing. Beneficiaries received crucial inputs such as solar irrigation systems, improved cassava variety stems, rotary slashers, and defeathering machines. These tools are intended to modernize farming practices and increase efficiency. Furthermore, the provision of fertilizers, improved maize seeds, gari fryers, vegetable seeds, fish and poultry feed, seedling trays, coco peat, generators, knapsack sprayers, and gari pressers demonstrates a holistic approach to supporting agricultural development. This comprehensive support system equips young farmers with the necessary resources to cultivate a wide range of crops and manage livestock effectively.
Beyond the provision of physical resources, the IITA Youth in Agribusiness Project emphasizes the importance of ongoing mentorship and support. Prof. Michael Abberton, Head of the Genetic Resources Center at IITA, encouraged beneficiaries to leverage the established support network, highlighting the institute’s decade-long focus on youth involvement in agribusiness. He stressed the potential of these young entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, generate employment, and stimulate economic growth within their communities. This commitment to fostering a supportive environment for young farmers reflects IITA’s understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers to the agricultural sector.
Aline Mugisho, CEO of IITA Youth Agripreneurs, reiterated the project’s dedication to providing continuous coaching programs and networking opportunities. She emphasized the potential of agribusiness as a lucrative sector and reassured beneficiaries of the project’s unwavering commitment to supporting their endeavors. This emphasis on mentorship and networking is crucial in fostering a sense of community amongst young farmers and providing them with the guidance and connections they need to thrive. By creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing, the project is fostering a dynamic ecosystem that enables young agricultural entrepreneurs to learn from each other and build successful businesses.
Project Coordinator Adebayo Awotodunbo underscored the importance of utilizing the distributed items responsibly and effectively. He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the provided inputs, emphasizing that the project’s monitoring and evaluation team would conduct regular farm visits to assess the proper utilization of the resources. This accountability mechanism is crucial to ensuring that the provided inputs are used for their intended purpose – to empower young farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By implementing a system of checks and balances, the project aims to maximize its impact and prevent the misuse of valuable resources.
The testimonials from beneficiaries highlight the transformational impact of the IITA Youth in Agribusiness Project. Ayomikun Oyesiji, one of the recipients, expressed gratitude for the training provided, noting its significant influence on her agribusiness’s turnaround. The valuable insights she gained into farm management and business operations have empowered her to improve her practices and achieve greater success. This success story underscores the effectiveness of the project’s multi-faceted approach, demonstrating the power of combining tangible resources with educational and mentorship opportunities. The project’s focus on empowering young farmers is not only contributing to their individual success but also strengthening the agricultural sector as a whole, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future for Nigerian agriculture.
