PricePally, a prominent online grocery platform, has recognized the urgent need for enhanced support for farmers in Nigeria to establish a sustainable food supply. Acknowledging the significant challenges facing the agricultural sector, especially in meeting growing consumer demands, PricePally recently implemented a training program that engaged over 160 farmers across the South-West region. The initiative, held in October 2024 across key locations such as Epe, Ibadan, and Abeokuta, primarily aimed to improve the quality of agricultural produce and minimize post-harvest losses through the adoption of best practices in farming.
The three-week training program encompassed diverse critical areas essential for agricultural advancement, including farm planning, water management, post-harvest handling, and sustainable farming techniques. Participants were equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge that would facilitate the alignment of their produce with market demands, significantly curtailing waste and ensuring better quality. This comprehensive approach aimed at empowering farmers to adopt innovative practices that not only enhance their productivity but also bolster their resilience in the face of market fluctuations.
One of the pivotal components of the training focused on the utilization of data to forecast consumer trends and needs. Farmers were encouraged to leverage this data to inform their decisions regarding planting schedules, harvesting timings, and distribution strategies. By adopting an informed approach based on actual market needs, farmers could optimize their operations and enhance their profitability, ensuring that food supply meets the rising demands of a growing population.
Benjamin Ogunbola, the GSMA Project Manager at PricePally, highlighted the significance of this training in fostering a more robust food supply chain in Nigeria. He emphasized that empowering farmers is central to PricePally’s mission to provide everyone with access to quality food. Through the acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills in effective farming and distribution, farmers are supported not only in their economic endeavors but also in their contributions to food availability and affordability within their communities.
In addition to the training program, PricePally has initiated a Liaison Officers Training program intended to facilitate better collaboration between farmers and the company. This effort reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening agricultural practices nationwide. Plans are underway to extend such support to the northern regions of Nigeria, beginning with Jos, which marks an important step toward ensuring that sustainable agricultural practices are adopted throughout the entire country.
The impact of PricePally’s initiatives is already evident in successful case studies, such as the expedited sale of over one ton of Grade-A tomatoes sourced from a single farm within just 48 hours. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of PricePally’s direct-to-consumer model, which aims to connect farmers directly with wholesalers, retailers, and individual consumers. By remaining steadfast in its mission to make food more affordable and accessible, PricePally is not only supporting local farmers but also contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
