FG, USAID empower 311 agric MSMEs in four years
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the USAID Feed the Future program, has successfully empowered 311 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) over the past four years, boosting agricultural productivity and growth among Nigerian smallholder farmers. This milestone was celebrated during the National Agricultural Extension Service Impact-Sharing Workshop in Abuja, where Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the partnership’s role in fostering sustainable agricultural development and expanding market access for MSMEs and farmers alike.
Since 2020, the program has introduced various innovative agricultural practices that enable MSMEs to offer critical extension services, thereby supporting farmers with advisory resources and connecting them to larger markets. Jean-Pierre Rousseau, Director of Winrock International, commended the role of Nigerian MSMEs as essential facilitators of innovation, with over 2 million smallholder farmers benefiting from MSME-led services. Notable testimonies, such as that of farmer Garba Salifu, underscore the program’s impact; Salifu reported a significant income increase, earning N1.52 million during the 2023 planting season compared to N487,000 in previous years.
Moreover, Dr. Ben Odoemena, Chief of Party for USAID’s Feed the Future initiative, highlighted the project’s focus on sustainable agricultural growth, with 39 impactful agricultural practices and digital tools like the Plantis app empowering farmers to assess crop health independently.
Source: Punch
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
The collaboration between Nigeria’s government and USAID’s Feed the Future program represents a proactive approach to addressing some of the key challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Empowering MSMEs as providers of agricultural extension services has been essential for reaching smallholder farmers, especially in remote areas where access to modern farming knowledge and markets can be limited. By reinforcing agricultural productivity and enabling wider access to extension services, this initiative strengthens the role of smallholder farmers in Nigeria’s food security framework. Here are several key takeaways for stakeholders:
MSME-Led Extension Services Enhance Agricultural Productivity: Traditionally, Nigeria’s extension services have struggled with limited resources and outreach, leaving many smallholders without the support needed to optimize their farming practices. The integration of MSMEs as extension service providers has expanded this reach significantly, helping farmers adopt advanced practices and technology for higher yields. MSMEs have demonstrated their capacity to act as intermediaries, bridging the gap between smallholders and the resources they need, including improved seeds, fertilizers, and advisory services.
Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Farming: Technology plays an increasingly important role in modern agriculture. The introduction of tools like the Plantis app is revolutionary, providing farmers with real-time information on soil health and crop diseases without the need for external inspections. This innovation not only enhances the efficiency of diagnosing crop health issues but also empowers farmers to make independent, informed decisions about their farms. Agribusiness stakeholders could support further development and scaling of such digital tools to increase their accessibility and usability across diverse regions and language groups in Nigeria.
Economic Empowerment and Market Access through MSMEs: By empowering MSMEs to connect smallholders with markets, the program fosters a sustainable and competitive agricultural economy. Market access is a critical component of agricultural success, as farmers benefit from fair prices and consistent demand for their produce. Additionally, MSME-driven support in post-harvest handling, transport, and market linkage ensures that produce retains its quality, reducing post-harvest losses and maximizing profitability for farmers.
Supporting Youth and Women in Agriculture: This collaboration emphasizes inclusion, particularly for youth and women in agriculture. With job creation, increased productivity, and new business opportunities, the program is tapping into Nigeria’s demographic potential. Empowering youth and women not only strengthens the labor force but also injects new ideas and energy into the sector, driving innovation and resilience in agriculture.
Significant Economic Impact and Growth Opportunities: Testimonies like that of farmer Garba Salifu demonstrate the program’s economic impact at a personal level, where increased yields and higher income can transform livelihoods. Salifu’s income jump from N487,000 to N1.52 million illustrates the tangible economic benefits of adopting best farming practices. These success stories motivate other farmers to embrace modern techniques, creating a ripple effect that can drive sector-wide growth.
Promoting Sustainability and Climate-Resilient Practices: By promoting 39 impactful agricultural practices, this initiative aligns with Nigeria’s climate resilience goals. Climate change poses significant risks to agriculture, and the adoption of sustainable practices—such as crop rotation, pest management, and efficient water use—can help mitigate these impacts. As part of this program, MSMEs are instrumental in educating farmers on sustainable practices, which are vital for long-term food security and environmental health.
This partnership between the Nigerian government and USAID’s Feed the Future program has proven to be a catalyst for change, empowering MSMEs to act as enablers of sustainable agricultural growth. As stakeholders look toward the future, continued investment in MSME-led services, market access initiatives, and innovative tools will be essential for sustaining these positive outcomes. By focusing on scalability, sustainability, and inclusivity, Nigeria can build a resilient agricultural sector that empowers smallholder farmers, contributes to economic growth, and strengthens food security.
For agri-food stakeholders, this initiative serves as a model for multi-stakeholder collaboration, showcasing the power of strategic partnerships in addressing complex agricultural challenges. With a commitment to innovation and farmer-centric solutions, Nigeria’s agricultural sector is poised for a transformative journey, bringing greater prosperity to farmers and ensuring a robust food system for the nation.
