Every day, millions of Nigerians go to bed hungry, uncertain about where their next meal will come from. Hunger is no longer just a distant issue in Nigeria—it’s a pressing crisis. With over 19 million people facing food insecurity, the nation’s food crisis has turned into a multi-dimensional problem, impacting not only public health but also the economy and social stability. The country finds itself in a battle to ensure adequate and affordable food for its population. In a nation blessed with fertile land, the paradox of widespread hunger alongside vast untapped agricultural potential is alarming. Despite its vast arable land and agricultural potential, Nigeria continues to rely heavily on food imports to meet domestic demand, spending billions annually to bridge its food production gap. The root causes of this crisis go beyond just insufficient food production. They stem from inefficiencies in farming practices, underinvestment in the agricultural sector, poor access to markets, low financial inclusion, and a disengaged youth population. With over 60% of Nigerians under the age of 25, there is a tremendous opportunity to engage the active population. Agriculture must become more than just a means of subsistence. It needs to be transformed into a thriving, sustainable, and profitable enterprise that empowers Nigeria’s youth, drives economic growth, and tackles the food crisis.
The Smart Agropreneurship Project (SAP), an initiative by Assetrise Limited in collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), is designed to do just that— transform agriculture in Nigeria, commercialize farming practices, and empower a new generation of agropreneurs. It aims to bring agriculture into the modern age, combining innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship to secure Nigeria’s food future.
Key Elements of the SAP Initiative
- Commercial Yam Cultivation: SAP’s flagship project involves planting 1,000,000 tubers of yam at the FUNAAB campus. This project aims to not only increase yam production but also introduce students to the commercial aspects of agriculture. The goal is to make agriculture more profitable and attractive to Nigeria’s youth, while also contributing to the nation’s food security.
- 8-Week Entrepreneurial Training: SAP includes a comprehensive 8-week entrepreneurial training program designed to equip 1,500 students with the skills needed to turn their agricultural passion into a successful business. From marketing strategies to crisis management and customer retention, the program provides a well-rounded education to ensure these future agropreneurs can thrive in a competitive environment.
- Strategic Partnerships: SAP is backed by a network of partnerships with key industry players. Collaborations with institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) ensure access to premium seedlings for higher crop yields, while partnerships with financial institutions like AG Mortgage Bank ensure transparency and accountability in investment funds, providing participants with peace of mind and financial security.
SAP’s Core Objectives
SAP’s mission is not only to increase food production but also to commercialize agriculture, making it a viable economic engine. The benefits of SAP extend beyond the fields:
1. Boosting Food Security: One of the primary goals of SAP is to contribute to Nigeria’s food security agenda. According to recent statistics, Nigeria’s agricultural sector contributes about 21% to the GDP but faces gaps in productivity and output. SAP aims to close these gaps by increasing yield, ensuring that local food production meets the growing demand. By focusing on high-demand crops, the project aims to make food affordable and accessible while reducing the country’s reliance on food imports.
2. Creating Job Opportunities: Youth unemployment remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues, with millions of young people out of work or underemployed. SAP is designed to tackle this challenge by turning agriculture into a viable career path, creating jobs not only in farming but also in agro-processing, marketing, and distribution. By building a network of skilled agropreneurs, SAP creates a ripple effect of job creation across multiple sectors. Agriculture holds the key to unlocking massive employment opportunities; According to estimates, every additional $1 billion investment in agriculture creates 13,000 direct jobs. SAP’s comprehensive approach, which includes training, financing, and market access, will help thousands of young Nigerians secure stable livelihoods while contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
3. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: In the face of climate change and environmental degradation, SAP emphasizes the adoption of sustainable farming techniques that protect ecosystems while ensuring high productivity. From the use of organic fertilizers to water conservation and renewable energy in farming operations, SAP is committed to reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint while ensuring long-term food security. By introducing modern farming practices, SAP aims to boost productivity significantly. For instance, precision farming has the potential to increase crop yields by up to 50%, by optimizing water usage, fertilizers, and pest control. This boost in productivity could translate into millions of tons of additional food production, directly contributing to reducing hunger and stabilizing food prices.
Climate change also poses a significant threat to food security, not just in Nigeria, but globally. Erratic weather patterns, droughts, and floods have devastated crops, leading to higher food prices and lower yields. SAP is committed to integrating climate-resilient practices in its training programs, ensuring that participants are prepared to adapt to changing conditions. This includes selecting drought-resistant crop varieties and implementing efficient water management practices, also integrating sustainable farming practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and crop rotation, which help protect the environment while ensuring long-term productivity.
SAP’s focus on sustainability is not just about protecting Nigeria’s food systems today, but ensuring they are resilient and adaptable in the face of future climate challenges. This approach not only helps mitigate environmental impact but also ensures that farming remains profitable and productive for generations to come.
4. Diversifying portfolios and generating income: SAP provides a platform for investors and subscribers to participate in the agricultural sector, offering opportunities to earn income through the cultivation and sale of agricultural products. Participants can subscribe to various packages, with options ranging from small-scale investments to large-acreage cultivation.
5. Empowering the Next Generation of Agropreneurs: One of SAP’s key innovations is the combination of farming with entrepreneurial education. Unlike traditional agricultural initiatives that focus solely on farming techniques, SAP’s 8-week entrepreneurial training program equips participants with critical business acumen, covering everything from product marketing to customer retention. This enables them to create viable, self-sustaining enterprises. This training is designed to:
- Equip youth with modern farming skills: Participants are trained in the full agricultural value chain, including marketing strategies, sales techniques, and customer management, enabling them to grow their farms into profitable businesses, leveraging cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and climate-smart farming methods.
- Access to Finance and Markets: One of the significant barriers to success for agropreneurs is a lack of access to finance and markets. SAP bridges this gap by connecting young agropreneurs with financial institutions, government grants, and partnerships that provide the necessary funding. Additionally, through collaborations with key industry players, SAP creates market linkages that ensure farmers have a stable demand for their produce, both locally and internationally.
- Foster innovation: Through workshops and mentorship, participants will be encouraged to develop innovative solutions to agricultural challenges, such as post-harvest losses, market inefficiencies, and climate change impacts. By integrating technology and data-driven decision-making, SAP encourages agropreneurs to adopt precision farming techniques, use modern equipment, and optimize resource management, leading to higher crop yields and reduced waste.
- Support entrepreneurial ventures: With a strong focus on business education, SAP helps participants understand the agricultural value chain, from production to market. This enables them to create viable, self-sustaining enterprises.
By providing students with hands-on training and real-world experience, SAP is raising a new generation of farmers who view agriculture as a lucrative business. This creates a self-sustaining ecosystem of young agropreneurs who collaborate to scale agriculture in Nigeria. These young agropreneurs will play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s food crisis and driving innovation in the sector.
A Vision for the Future: Sustainable Growth and Food Security
Nigeria’s food crisis may seem overwhelming, but with the right tools, strategies, and partnerships, a sustainable solution is within reach. SAP is paving the way for a new era of agriculture in Nigeria—one where food insecurity is addressed not through emergency imports but through homegrown, sustainable solutions. It’s a movement designed to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through sustainable practices and entrepreneurial innovation. With plans to expand beyond yam cultivation to other high-demand crops, and with the expertise and resources of strategic partners, SAP is positioned to be a driving force in the future of Nigerian agriculture.
As SAP proves successful in its initial projects, there are plans to replicate the model across different regions of Nigeria. This scalability will enhance food production nationwide, contributing to a robust national food system. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, SAP positions Nigeria as a potential leader in global agriculture. The goal is to not only meet local food demands but to also establish Nigeria as a key player in international agricultural markets, exporting high-quality products to the world.
Additionally, SAP’s focus on economic diversification aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of reducing its reliance on oil revenues and creating more resilient industries. By making agriculture profitable and attractive to youth, SAP is laying the foundation for a more diversified, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
Assetrise Limited’s commitment to sustainable wealth creation through agricultural collaboration and commercialization is already evident in Palmrich Estate, a 4000+ hectare oil palm plantation operating across four Nigerian states. SAP is the next step in our broader vision to secure Nigeria’s food future while creating economic opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Join the SAP Summit: Be Part of the Change
On the 1st of November 2024, we invite you to join us at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB) for the Smart Agropreneurship Summit themed- Commercializing Agriculture for Food and Income, as we ignite hope and forge actionable solutions toward a secure food future for Nigeria.
In attendance will be industry experts and leaders including His Excellency, Former President of Nigeria, Professor Olusegun Obasanjo, the Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture, Lagos state, Ms. Ruth Abisola Olusanya; the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Kehinde; African Farmer Mogaji; CEO of Farm Credit Nigeria; Special Adviser to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Oyo State, Mr. Akande Adebowale. The Group Managing Director of Assetrise Limited, Mr. Rotimi Ojamamoye; and the Managing Director of AG Mortgage Bank, Mr. Ngozi Anyogu.
Come witness the launch of a new era aimed at increasing food production and providing employment opportunities, Meet the SAP Ambassadors- 1,500 dedicated students trained to become successful agropreneurs, Network with industry innovators, and gain exclusive insight into the innovative agricultural practices to enhance food security in Nigeria.
This summit is not just an event; it’s a gathering of passionate individuals determined to reshape the future of agriculture.
Register now to secure your seat….
Whether you’re an aspiring agropreneur, an investor looking for profitable and sustainable opportunities, or an organization ready to support agricultural innovation, SAP offers a platform for engagement. Together, we can cultivate a more secure, prosperous, and food-sufficient Nigeria.
For more information on how to get involved, contact us at 0903 3756052, and take the first step toward securing Nigeria’s agricultural future.