Initiative set to empower over 2,000 women, youth in agric

The AdanianLabs has pledged to empower over 2,000 women in the agric value chain across Nigeria to increase their market competitiveness, through its “You’ve Got Business for Agri SMEs 2025” initiative.

The founder of the initiative, John Kamara, who stated this in Abuja at the launch of its Phase 2, stressed the need for the country to embrace modern innovation such as data-driven tools, business training, and entrepreneurial support to unlock opportunities embedded in the sector.

He explained that data is increasingly becoming the backbone of precision farming, supply chain optimisation, and market forecasting, disclosing that the project will ensure that the next generation of women agripreneurs have access to modern powerful tools.

“The agricultural sector is a major driver of economic growth, but it requires innovative tools to unlock its full potential.”

According to Kamara, the project being rolled out in partnership with Ecobba will impact over 2,000 women in the agricultural value chain across Nigeria, adding that,  the project is designed to equip female entrepreneurs in agriculture with the skills, resources, and networks they need to grow their businesses, overcome barriers to entry, and increase their market competitiveness.

He noted that the initiative aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the agricultural sector, adding that it will focus on accelerating growth for women in agriculture and driving youth participation in the value chain.

“In the first edition of the programme, Ayoba played a crucial role in powering the initiative, which demonstrated a clear path for agri-SMEs to access the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to thrive.

“This time, the 2025 edition brings even greater ambition with a focus on empowering women farmers and youths, two crucial demographic groups that have the potential to drive Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

“These women, who are often at the heart of food production and distribution in local communities, will be empowered with data-driven tools, business training, and entrepreneurial support.

“One of the programme’s core components is the Train-the-Trainer, which will equip selected leaders within the agricultural community with the knowledge and skills needed to impart the value of data in agriculture to others,” he said.

He added that with the partnership, the initiative is not only empowering women and youths, but also positioning Nigeria’s agriculture as a data-driven sector that can compete globally, noting that the initiative will lead to better decision-making, increased productivity, and ultimately, enhanced economic stability.

“It will Increase youth participation in agriculture by providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for young Nigerians to join the sector. Empower women in agriculture to become key contributors to national food security, while promoting gender equity in agricultural entrepreneurship.

“It also facilitates the creation of a vibrant agri-SME ecosystem through collaboration among governments, non-governmental organisations, tech companies, and financial institutions.