OLAMAgri has entered a strategic partnership with IDH and Arzikin Noma, a Nigerian agricultural development firm driving innovation and partnerships in rural farming communities, to strengthen soybean production in Kwara State.

The agreement aims to unlock the potential of smallholder soybean farmers, particularly women and young people, through a comprehensive support programme.

The partnership will empower 5,000 smallholder farmers across soybean-growing communities in the state.

The Guardian learnt that this empowerment will be delivered through the provision of credit facilities for farming inputs, mechanisation support, financial access, training in sustainable practices, and crucial market linkage.

It will also strengthen agricultural development in the region alongside Olam Agri’s new 350,000 MT soybean processing facility in Kwara State, which is sourcing soybeans majorly from local producers, to meet the rising demand for high-quality feed and oil.

The firm has been a long-standing supporter of the Kwara State Soybean Sustainability Programme, contributing equipment and training for agricultural extension workers. The company is now scaling up its efforts by integrating the 5,000 smallholder farmers into its supply chain and implementing sustainable practices such as crop rotation and organic fertilisation.

Speaking on the partnership, Country Director at IDH, Eniola Fabusoro, who expressed excitement on the partnership, said the partnership exemplifies “our approach of bridging the gap between large corporations and smallholder farmers through local partners.”

Fabusoro added: “By combining our networks, resources, and field experience with proven SMEs like Arzikin Noma, we can transform supply chains while ensuring measurable impact for the 5,000 farmers and long-term value for all stakeholders. This initiative demonstrates how sustainable trade can drive both agricultural development and business success.”

The Managing Director of Arzikin Noma,Adeoluwa Adeshola, said “Our commitment to food security and sustainable farming remains strong. This partnership in Kwara will raise both the quality and quantity of soybean produced locally, and we are proud to play a role in driving that progress.”

The Global Sustainability Head – Grains, Oilseeds, Feed, & Freight at Olam Agri, Dr. Shailendra Mishra, said the partnership marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and inclusive soybean value chain in Nigeria.

“The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the immediate participants; it serves as a model for how regenerative agriculture can transform communities, restore soil health, and drive economic growth.