USAID in with private sector partnerships to strengthen Nigerian agriculture

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched two new partnerships with local agribusinesses Babban Gona and Hello Tractor, highlighting the U.S. governments agricultural and private sector strategy and promoting the development of Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

Under this $2 million, two-year partnership, anticipated results include increased access to smart tractors, improved seeds, and profitable markets for over 45,000 smallholder farmers across seven states and the Federal Capital Territory.

During a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy, Deputy Chief of Mission Maria E. Brewer described the partnership as a co-investment in public goods.  “Innovation and entrepreneurship hold the key to unlocking Nigeria’s agriculture potential, and the U.S. government will continue to provide support in this direction,” said Mrs. Brewer.

Under the Feed the Future initiative, the USAID)partners with the private sector to support smallholder farmers in Nigeria.  Through these partnerships, USAID addresses development and business challenges by increasing access to improved agricultural inputs and mechanization, better quality technical advisory services, and expanding market opportunities for smallholder farmers.

Babban Gona addresses the challenge of smallholder farmers by forming strong cooperatives called Trust Groups, which enable maize, rice, and soybean farmers to gain access to new markets and sell at premium prices.  Babban Gona provides member farmers with services designed to optimize crop yields, production costs, and prices of agricultural outputs.

Recognizing the need among smallholder farmers for consistent and sustainable mechanization services, Hello Tractor designed a versatile Smart Tractor with eight attachments to serve their needs throughout the farm production cycle.  Each tractor is fitted with technologies, which enable Hello Tractor to pair farmers in need of services with a Smart Tractor owner nearby via text messaging.  The technology allows small landowners access to affordable tractor services to increase their productivity, while Smart Tractor owners are given the opportunity to earn additional income with their machine.  Through the partnership with USAID, 24,500 smallholder farmers will gain access to tractor services.