Food scarcity, soilless farming to the rescue

Amid concerns about food scarcity in Nigeria, Sam Ogbole in Ogun State has proven that with the right support, Nigerian youths can contribute to national food security. In the remote village of Awowo, he transformed the area into a thriving farm settlement, attracting young people from 28 Nigerian states, Cameroon, and Togo to learn modern farming techniques.
The farm, which specializes in cultivating export-quality fruits and vegetables, has benefited over 10,000 participants since its work-and-learn program began in 2000. Governor Abiodun, impressed by the initiative, plans to replicate similar farms across the state, seeing soilless farming as a key solution to Nigeria’s food challenges. This innovative approach requires minimal land and reduces physical labor, offering a sustainable path to food security.
Source: BusinessDay

Our Review
The success story of Sam Ogbole’s soilless farming initiative in Ogun State is a game-changer for Nigeria’s agribusiness sector. By attracting youth from across Nigeria and neighboring countries, the initiative demonstrates the transformative power of modern agricultural practices. It showcases the potential of soilless farming to address land scarcity, reduce labor intensity, and conserve energy, making agriculture more accessible and sustainable.
This initiative has the potential to revitalize the entire agricultural value chain by creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs, enhancing food production, and setting a benchmark for export-quality produce. It also supports the government’s efforts to address food scarcity, as demonstrated by Governor Abiodun’s interest in replicating the model across Ogun State. For agribusiness professionals, this case emphasizes the importance of supporting innovative farming methods and investing in youth empowerment to drive growth and sustainability in the sector.