IDH’s Post

🌟 Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has taken a bold step to boost the agricultural sector by approving a 50% subsidy on oil palm, cocoa, and cashew seedlings for farmers this planting season. >> This initiative aims to revive Ekiti State's agricultural prowess, reminiscent of its golden era in the 1970s when it was a leading cocoa-producing center in Nigeria. 🌿🌰🍫 Subsidies can play a crucial role in making farming inputs more affordable for farmers, >> thereby encouraging increased production and sustainability. 🚜💡 By lowering the cost of seedlings, farmers can invest in high-quality planting materials without financial strain. >> Affordable inputs lead to higher planting rates and productivity, boosting overall agricultural output. >> Since the government also sees to promote the use of improved seedlings with shorter gestation periods, > this will enhance sustainability and long-term viability of farms. Enhanced agricultural production translates to increased income for farmers, contributing to the state's economy and job creation. 💪📈 >> Ekiti State's subsidy initiative is also aimed at replacing aged trees in old plantations and those lost to bush burning with improved, fast-growing seedlings. >> This is crucial aspect of the deforestation issue, and it will also restore the state’s status as a cocoa powerhouse. 🌱 🌍 By making farming more accessible and profitable, the state encourages Young, committed farmers to join the agricultural sector, >> ensuring a new generation of skilled agriculturalists. 👩🌾 > I think other states should take note of Ekiti's forward-thinking approach. By implementing similar subsidy programs, they can enhance agricultural productivity. >> Improved access to affordable, high-quality seedlings can lead to a surge in agricultural output. Boosting the agricultural sector will lead to job creation and wealth generation, benefiting the broader economy. 🚜🌾🌍 Kudos to Governor Oyebanji and the Ekiti State administration for this visionary initiative! It's a Great day 👏🌿🍫 #Agriculture #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth #CocoaProduction #OilPalm #FarmersSupport #Innovation #Nigeria #EkitiState

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🌾🌽 El-kanis Empowers 10,000 Rice and Maize Farmers in Nigeria 🌽🌾 Through the SAPRUL project, El-kanis has been making a significant impact on agriculture in Cross River State and Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Our commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity building has empowered smallholder farmers, including youth and women, to be active partners in problem-solving and research. Collaborating with various stakeholders, El-kanis established pluralistic extension systems, enriching comprehensive training programs for sustainable farming practices. Farmers received practical farm management skills, including crop planning, water efficiency, pest control, and climate-smart practices, enhancing productivity and livelihoods. Take Chief Damian Egbata, who saw a 30% increase in rice yield using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). This innovative method promotes water efficiency, climate resilience, and higher yields, aligning with our vision of sustainable agriculture. Our market-oriented approach ensures farmers connect to modern value chains. Mrs. Grace Uche now supplies high-quality maize to Spertant Processing Mill, securing a stable market for her produce. Meanwhile, Miss Mary Okon started a successful agribusiness, creating employment opportunities for youth and supplying raw materials to our processing mills. El-kanis prioritizes social inclusiveness, enabling women and youth to actively participate in decision-making and entrepreneurship. Together, we are transforming the lives of smallholder farmers, fostering greener and more resilient food systems in the region. SAPRUL project is co-founded by West Africa Trade & Investment Hub , USAID Feed the Future and other partners. Learn more; https://lnkd.in/dWSyST9E #Elkanis #SustainableFarming #CapacityBuilding #SmallholderFarmers #NigeriaAgriculture #MarketAccess #SocialInclusiveness #YouthEntrepreneurship #SAPRULProject

🌾🌽 El-kanis Empowers 10,000 Rice and Maize Farmers in Nigeria 🌽🌾 Through the SAPRUL project, El-kanis has been making a significant impact on agriculture in Cross River State and Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Our commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity building has empowered smallholder farmers, including youth and women, to be active partners in problem-solving and research. Collaborating with various stakeholders, El-kanis established pluralistic extension systems, enriching comprehensive training programs for sustainable farming practices. Farmers received practical farm management skills, including crop planning, water efficiency, pest control, and climate-smart practices, enhancing productivity and livelihoods. Take Chief Damian Egbata, who saw a 30% increase in rice yield using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). This innovative method promotes water efficiency, climate resilience, and higher yields, aligning with our vision of sustainable agriculture. Our market-oriented approach ensures farmers connect to modern value chains. Mrs. Grace Uche now supplies high-quality maize to Spertant Processing Mill, securing a stable market for her produce. Meanwhile, Miss Mary Okon started a successful agribusiness, creating employment opportunities for youth and supplying raw materials to our processing mills. El-kanis prioritizes social inclusiveness, enabling women and youth to actively participate in decision-making and entrepreneurship. Together, we are transforming the lives of smallholder farmers, fostering greener and more resilient food systems in the region. SAPRUL project is co-founded by West Africa Trade & Investment Hub , USAID , Feed the Future and other partners. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dAVUwexp #Elkanis #SustainableFarming #CapacityBuilding #SmallholderFarmers #NigeriaAgriculture #MarketAccess #SocialInclusiveness #YouthEntrepreneurship #SAPRULProject

Transforming Ghana's Agriculture with Hybrid Maize Seed Production We are excited to announce the successful progress of the "Training in Hybrid Maize Seed Production and Market Development" project, a collaboration between CSIR-SARI, Kukobila Nasia Farms Limited (KNF), and the Ghana Skills Development Fund. This initiative aims to enhance food security and create jobs in Ghana by training 25 local farmers in hybrid maize seed production and marketing. Key achievements include the development of tailored training manuals, significant improvements in participants' skills, and strong community support from local leaders. With continued collaboration from partners like GSID, MoFA, NASTAG, and SEEDPAG, we are committed to driving sustainable agricultural practices and community development in the Northern Region. Together, we are paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Ghana. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d9nTq7Qf #Agriculture #HybridMaize #CSIRSARI #KNF #FoodSecurity #JobCreation #SustainableFarming #GhanaAgriculture #CommunityDevelopment #InnovationInAgriculture

Known as “the food basket of Ghana,” the Ahafo Region is renowned for its significant contribution to the country’s economy and food security. The region’s favorable soil type and rainfall pattern make it conducive for cultivating a diverse range of food and cash crops, attracting farmers involved in both subsistence and commercial farming. Commercial agriculture in the Ahafo Region faces challenges, including limited access to ready markets and insufficient value-addition opportunities for perishable crops. In 2013, Newmont Corporation, the operator of the Ahafo mine in the Ahafo Region and the Akyem mine in the Eastern Region, initiated the Asutifi Processing and Services Centre (APSC) in partnership with the German Development Cooperation. The center was established on a pilot basis to explore processing and marketing opportunities for agricultural produce in the region. This followed comprehensive engagements with the beneficiary farmers and assessments to comprehend the agriculture value chain in the region and the potential opportunities within it. Aligned with Newmont’s social performance strategy, focused on improving opportunities for residents in its host communities, especially youth and women, the APSC emerged as a key initiative to bolster livelihoods and generate sustainable employment in the Ahafo Region. The APSC stands as a pivotal initiative within Newmont’s comprehensive Local Economic Diversification (LED) program. This broader initiative involves collaborative efforts with development agencies, government entities, and impact investors to pinpoint business opportunities, foster job creation, and advance sustainable development within Newmont’s host communities. Click on the provided link to read the full article https://lnkd.in/dS4riiBf #newmont #apsc #ibmag

Ajeoba is your digital gateway to the future of agriculture. We leverage technology to transform the agricultural landscape and empower Agro-allied businesses across Africa. Here’s a glimpse of what we bring to the table: - Digital Marketplace: We’re eliminating barriers in agricultural transactions by connecting sellers and buyers through our digital platform. - Quality Inputs: We ensure farmers have access to top-notch products that boost crop yield and productivity. - Investment Opportunities: We’re cultivating a diverse investment portfolio within the agricultural sector, offering high-return opportunities. - Data Repository: Our database provides valuable insights on historical prices, weather patterns, crop yield, and more. - Financial Aid: We’re addressing the financial needs of smallholder farmers across Nigeria. - Market Arbitrage: We’re fostering a robust commodity market, procuring agricultural commodities, and selling in larger markets. Explore Ajeoba today at https://ajeoba.com #agriculture #technology #innovation #ajeoba

Boosting Africa's Agriculture: Stronger Fertilizer Financing Mechanism Pledged. At the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit 2024 in Nairobi, African heads of state and representatives from the African Union Commission and other international bodies committed to fully operationalizing the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM). This initiative aims to enhance food production by investing in technologies that boost yields and improve soil health. It will also finance infrastructure and logistics to increase fertilizer availability and market access for African farmers. The commitments were encapsulated in the Nairobi Declaration on the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit. The AFFM, hosted by the African Development Bank Group, will now include a soil health fund to support research, innovation, capacity building, and startups focused on fertilizer use and soil health. Additionally, a 10-year Action Plan for Fertilizer and Soil Health and the Soil Initiative for Africa were adopted. The African Union Commission and the African Union Development Agency will oversee the implementation of these initiatives and report on progress by February 2026. Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development at the African Development Bank, emphasized the bank's commitment to scaling up the AFFM 2.0 to increase productivity and improve soil health. Marie Claire Kalihangabo, AFFM Coordinator, highlighted the Mechanism's readiness to mobilize investments and provide innovative financing products to ensure timely access to quality, affordable fertilizers across Africa. The summit also addressed fertilizer market challenges, including disruptions caused by government subsidies, economic constraints, and food import reliance, in collaboration with partners like Yara and Sustain Africa. #AfricaFertilizerSummit #SoilHealth #AFFM #AgricultureInnovation #FoodProduction #AfricanUnion #SustainableAgriculture #FertilizerAccess

- Ghana's agribusiness sector contributes over 20% to GDP and engages over 50% of the labour force (GIZ, 2021, 2023). - The country has over 6 million hectares of arable land, but less than 30% is utilised for farming. There is significant potential to increase agricultural production and processing (UNCTAD, 2022). - Major crops with opportunities for processing include #cassava, #cocoa, #oilpalm, #rice, #maize, #plantain, #yam and #vegetables. Ghana is self-sufficient in these crops, but less than 10% is processed locally (GIZ, 2022). - Ghana's domestic food market is estimated to be over $6 billion annually, but local agro-processors only control 30% of this market. The remaining 70% is controlled by imported processed foods (MOF, 2021). - The government envisions increasing the contribution of agriculture to GDP to 25% by 2025 through expanded agro-processing. This will require equipping 100,000 farmers and establishing 325 agro-processing SMEs (MFARI, 2023). - Sectors with high potential include fruit and vegetable juices/concentrates, cereal/grain milling, edible oils extraction, protein extraction, dairy/meat processing, cocoa by-products, and cassava starch/flour processing (GIZ, 2021). - Regional markets in West Africa offer opportunities to export processed foods and boost foreign exchange earnings. Ghana is well-positioned to leverage its strategic location and as a key State Party to #AfCFTA (GTPA, 2022). This story of a young Ghanaian agro-processor, George Antwi who is innovatively adding value and transforming the plantain value chain sheds light on the untapped opportunities in agro-processing. Agro-processing MSMEs and startups need supports to modernise and mechanise their processing operations and scale their agribusinesses. For those looking to source machinery and equipment, we can help you do exactly that with less hurdle from OBTC-Import &Export. DM me today for your specs. Video credit: Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs #rdcdiaries #agroprocessing #agribusinessinnovation #sourcingchina