BATN Foundation (BATNF) has been honored with the “Best Sustainability in Agriculture & Food Security Award of Excellence” at the West Africa Innovation Awards 2026.

The recognition highlights the Foundation’s enduring commitment to transforming agriculture and rural livelihoods across the country.

Now in its 15th edition, the awards celebrate organizations that are redefining standards in innovation, professionalism, and impact across West Africa’s critical sectors.

 For BATNF, the recognition affirms over two decades of sustained investment in building resilient agricultural systems, empowering rural communities, and unlocking the economic potential embedded within the nation’s agribusiness landscape.

Since its establishment, BATNF has consistently pursued a long-term, systems-driven approach to agricultural development, moving beyond short-term interventions to create sustainable ecosystems that enhance productivity, strengthen enterprise growth, and build community resilience.

Through its programs, the Foundation has directly and indirectly impacted over 1.7 million value chain actors, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and support systems required to improve yields, access markets, and participate more meaningfully in agricultural value chains. In doing so, BATNF has helped reposition agriculture from a subsistence activity into a viable and scalable enterprise capable of driving inclusive economic growth and strengthening national food security.

A defining feature of the Foundation’s work is its deliberate focus on youth engagement, recognizing that the future of agriculture depends on a new generation of skilled and motivated agripreneurs.

 Through initiatives such as Farmers for the Future (F4F), implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), BATNF has played a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions of agriculture among young Nigerians. The program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and enterprise support, creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods and positioning agriculture as a dynamic sector with significant economic opportunity.

In his speech, Oludare Odusanya, the General Manager of BATNF noted,

“this award is a strong validation of our journey and the impact we have been privileged to make in the lives of farmers and rural communities across Nigeria. At BATN Foundation, we believe agriculture holds the key to economic empowerment and food security, and we remain committed to driving sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions that unlock this potential. More importantly, this recognition challenges us to deepen our impact, expand our partnerships, and continue shaping a future where agriculture works for everyone.’

Central to BATNF’s success is its collaborative approach, which brings together government institutions, development partners, private sector players, and local communities to co-create and implement solutions that are both scalable and sustainable.

 By strengthening agricultural value chains, improving market access, and supporting enterprise development, the Foundation continues to play a catalytic role in advancing food security, reducing rural poverty, and fostering economic resilience.

As the nation and wider West African region confront evolving challenges around food systems, climate resilience, and youth unemployment, BATNF’s work offers a compelling example of what is possible when innovation, consistency, and partnership are aligned. With this latest recognition, the Foundation is well-positioned to scale its interventions further, deepening its focus on sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment, and long-term rural development, while continuing to shape agriculture as a cornerstone of inclusive economic transformation.