Group trains Ekiti farmers in agribusiness

In a move to address the growing need for innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, the CEO of Postagvest Solutions, Olajumoke Ekundayo, urged young farmers to adopt smart, modern farming techniques that can drive food security efforts in Nigeria. Speaking at Awo Ekiti, Ekiti State, during the graduation of 25 young farmers under the “Raise a Farmer Initiative 3.0,” Ekundayo emphasized the transformative potential of such practices in the agri-food sector.

The initiative, which equips participants with both technical skills in vegetable farming and agribusiness principles, is part of Postagvest’s ongoing commitment to capacity-building and sustainable agricultural development. Supported by partnerships with national and international organizations, including Cato Foods, World Vegetable Center, and HortiNigeria, the program represents a collaborative effort to empower the next generation of farmers. The event attracted the participation of Ekiti State government representatives and international bodies such as IFAD.

Postagvest’s focus on youth-driven agricultural transformation aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of boosting food security and agricultural productivity. Ekundayo encouraged the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills, share knowledge with their peers, and actively seek out innovative approaches that could improve agricultural value chains in their communities.

The initiative also emphasizes a continuous learning process in agriculture, with participants receiving both cash rewards and further incentives to scale their efforts. In addition, the organization recently expanded its training initiatives by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Peace and Joy Group of Schools in Ikere Ekiti, aimed at instilling agricultural interest in students.
Source- Punch

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The Postagvest initiative highlights critical areas of focus for stakeholders within Nigeria’s agri-food sector. Firstly, the emphasis on smart, innovative agricultural practices aligns with the need for technology-driven solutions in an era where climate change and population growth challenge traditional farming methods. Precision farming techniques, data analytics, and sustainable crop management are becoming essential for improving yields and reducing input costs, particularly for smallholder farmers.

Secondly, capacity-building programs like the “Raise a Farmer Initiative” ensure that young people are not only trained in modern farming techniques but also equipped with the business acumen necessary to scale their agricultural ventures. For agri-food stakeholders, this is significant as it promises a new generation of entrepreneurs who can contribute to value chain development, from production to market access.

Moreover, the partnership model demonstrated by Postagvest, involving national and international brands, showcases a replicable framework for public-private collaboration in agriculture. Such synergies are vital for scaling up agribusiness innovations and ensuring that farmers, particularly youths, receive the financial and technical support required to thrive.

For stakeholders, these developments suggest a roadmap for future investments and collaborations. Programs that blend technical training with agribusiness principles offer a sustainable pathway for developing human capital in agriculture, which can significantly contribute to food security and economic growth in Nigeria. Engaging the youth is not just a social investment but a strategic move towards transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape into a more resilient and productive system.