The Nigerian government, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Feed the Future program, has empowered 311 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) over the past four years to enhance agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers.
Speaking at the National Agricultural Extension Service Impact-Sharing Workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the success of the initiative. Represented by Deola Lordbanjour, Director of Agricultural Extension at the National Agricultural Extension Service, Kyari noted that the collaboration has brought new business solutions, spurred growth, and created jobs, particularly for youth and women.
“This partnership has significantly improved access to markets for MSMEs and smallholder farmers, boosting productivity and contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector,” Kyari explained.
Since 2020, the collaboration has identified impactful agricultural practices, helping MSMEs play a pivotal role in providing extension services to farmers. “Through this initiative, 311 MSMEs have been equipped to offer advisory services to farmers, helping them adopt improved production practices,” Kyari added.
With the backing of the State’s Agricultural Development Program, the initiative not only transformed MSMEs into key players in agriculture but also reached a significant number of farmers, driving sustainable business solutions across Nigeria.
This empowerment program continues to be a critical driver of Nigeria’s agricultural sector growth, ensuring that MSMEs remain central to innovation and development in agribusiness.
