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AgricFocus, an agri-tech company established in 2014 with a mission to modernize and reposition agriculture across Africa, alongside commitment to supporting farmers, has been offering comprehensive suite of professional services and consulting solutions aimed at enhancing productivity, sustainability, and profitability within the agricultural sector.
In this article, Yemi Iledare the pioneering agribusiness leader and co-founder of AgricFocus highlighted the services of the company, which includes, farm audits, comprehensive hygiene and biosecurity evaluations, and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models to streamline farm operations and its impact on the Agricultural sector and Nigerian economy.
What is your background and propelling factor to the establishment of AgricFocus?
Prior to co-founding AgricFocus, I started my career at OlamAgri, a global leader in food and agribusiness. Rising swiftly through the ranks, I became the Regional Manager of the Olam Hatchery within four years. My tenure was marked by transformative changes in farm management, operational efficiency, and regional business growth.
At OlamAgri, I developed strong leadership skills and a strategic approach to managing large-scale agricultural operations, which I now deployed to my work at AgricFocus.
My expertise and dedication to addressing systemic agricultural issues, led to establishing AgricFocus, which is a vital partner for farmers seeking to adopt modern, sustainable practices. With a unique blend of industry experience, strategic insight, and dedication to leveraging technology for agricultural innovation, I remain at the forefront of efforts to build a sustainable, prosperous agricultural future for Africa.
Having been established with a mission to modernize and reposition agriculture across Africa, in what areas has AgricFocus contributed to grow the agric sector in Africa, and particularly, Nigeria?
AgricFocus is dedicated to transforming agriculture in Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria, by addressing key challenges in the agricultural value chain. Our vision is to increase access to food and empower local farmers to secure more credit for farming, thereby breaking down barriers that hinder agricultural development.
In Nigeria, we have made significant contributions in several areas:
Access to Resources: We have established initiatives that enhance farmers’ access to critical inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. By connecting farmers with accredited suppliers through our digital platform, we ensured that they can obtain what they need to succeed, irrespective of their background or location.
Training and Education: We conduct training programs aimed at improving farmers’ skills and knowledge in modern farming techniques. By providing education on best practices and sustainable methods, we empower farmers to increase their productivity and resilience against climate change.
Financial Support: Through initiatives like the FarmersToken program, we facilitate access to credit and financial resources for smallholder farmers. This program is designed to provide financial support, particularly targeting women and widows, enabling them to invest in their farms and enhance their livelihoods.
Mechanization of Farming: AgricFocus promotes mechanized farming to improve efficiency and productivity. We implement a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model for large-scale poultry farmers, ensuring that modern technologies are integrated into their operations.
Partnerships and Collaborations: We actively collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem. By aligning our efforts with the government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan and other initiatives, we work towards addressing food security challenges and reducing the herder-farmer crisis.
Sustainable Practices: Our commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture includes advocating for environmentally friendly practices that support long-term agricultural productivity and food security.
Through these initiatives, AgricFocus is not only contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector in Nigeria but also aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Africa.
How is AgricFocus promoting mechanized farming and supporting farmers across Nigeria?
AgricFocus promotes mechanized farming through specialized training programs that equip farmers with the skills to use modern equipment effectively. These programs help small and medium-scale farmers adopt mechanization for improved productivity, reducing labor costs and time spent on key farming activities.
For larger poultry farms, we have implemented a unique Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Under this approach, AgricFocus helps setup and operate mechanized systems tailored to the farm’s specific needs, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. After establishing a strong operational foundation, we then transfer the management and operations to the farm owners, empowering them to continue with an optimized and fully mechanized system.
This combination of training and BOT support enables us to drive sustainable mechanization across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
What Social initiative projects has AgricFocus embarked upon to support farmers and promote the agric sector?
AgricFocus is pioneering a social impact initiative called FarmersToken. This program provides seed investments to widows and women farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria, empowering them to sustain and grow their farming operations. FarmersToken aligns with global food security objectives by addressing food accessibility and economic stability within rural communities. By investing in the foundational resources these women need to succeed, AgricFocus and its partners are fostering a more resilient agricultural landscape.
To further amplify the impact, AgricFocus has partnered with Hisbal Foods in Kaduna, an established local food supplier, to enhance the program’s reach and effectiveness. This partnership not only supports Kaduna’s agricultural ecosystem but also strengthens local food supply chains, contributing to a sustainable food economy for future generations.
Has the FarmersToken social initiative by AgricFocus kicked off; if so, how many women and widows are targeted for the program, what is the selection process, how much is the seed fund, and are there plans to extend the program beyond Kaduna State?
The FarmersToken initiative is set to launch in the upcoming planting season in Feb/March, with a substantial ₦5 million Farmers Support Program. This first phase will target local farmers, particularly women and widows, in two local government areas in Kaduna State. Through partnerships with local aggregators, the Kaduna State government, and Hasbil Care Foundation, AgricFocus aims to empower these farmers with essential farming inputs to boost productivity and income.
Our selection criteria are intentionally simple and accessible to ensure we reach as many farmers as possible, especially those who traditionally face barriers to resources. Farmers can register on our website, AgricFocusNG.com, under the FarmersToken section. Once registered, they will receive a voucher to collect inputs from accredited suppliers. We’re also providing agricultural extension support to help farmers make the best use of these inputs. Additionally, we will conduct training and sensitization programs at the end of the year to equip them for the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, we are in discussions with international partners like Farm2Facts.org and other agricultural organizations to expand the FarmersToken initiative beyond Kaduna State. Our vision is to make this program a nationwide effort, creating a stronger support system for Nigerian farmers and driving lasting improvements in food security.
In the midst of food insufficiency/insecurity in Nigeria, what role is AgricFocus playing to partner with or support the government in addressing this menace?
AgricFocus is deeply committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle food insecurity, with approximately 19.4 million Nigerians facing food crises, according to the FAO. In alignment with the government’s objectives, including the establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, we work to empower farmers through initiatives like our FarmersToken program.
A critical part of our vision is also to support the government in addressing Nigeria’s Herder-Farmer Crisis, which remains a significant barrier to agricultural stability. We are aligned with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which aims to modernize livestock management, curb cattle movement across the country, and reduce conflicts that disrupt farming activities. By helping local farmers adopt modern, sustainable practices and reducing land-use conflicts, AgricFocus plays a role in fostering peaceful, cooperative agriculture systems.
In addition, we have established partnerships with both state governments and international organizations like Farm2Facts.org to introduce climate-resilient farming practices and mechanized solutions, thereby improving food supply and supporting the government’s overarching goal of food security. We commend the Federal Government’s commitment to reform through the National Livestock Transformation Plan and look forward to playing a part in achieving a stable, secure, and productive agricultural sector in Nigeria.
What are the established structures that have been put in place to sustain the various programs launched by AgricFocus?
AgricFocus has implemented several key structures to ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs. First, we have created a robust digital platform where farmers can access initiatives like FarmersToken, training resources, and information on agricultural best practices. Through our website, AgricFocusNG.com, we can directly connect with farmers, track their progress, and provide ongoing support, ensuring consistent engagement and access to resources.
Additionally, we have built partnerships with local aggregators, state governments, and organizations such as Hasbil Care Foundation, who provide local insights and logistical support for our programs. This network of partners is essential in reaching rural communities and ensuring that inputs and services are delivered to the farmers who need them most. These partnerships also allow us to monitor program impact and make necessary adjustments to better serve farmers.
To support our training and mechanization initiatives, we have developed an agricultural extension service model that connects farmers with trained extension officers. These officers provide hands-on support, helping farmers implement modern farming practices effectively. This ongoing support structure helps farmers integrate new skills and technologies sustainably.
Finally, to expand and deepen the impact of our initiatives, we are in discussions with international agricultural organizations such as Farm2Facts.org to bring in additional expertise and funding. These collaborations will help us scale our programs, enhance food security, and foster sustainable agricultural development across Nigeria.