The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched two new partnerships with local agribusinesses: Babban Gona and Hello Tractor.
The partnerships highlights the U.S.
government’s agricultural and private sector strategy and promotes the
development of Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
The $2 million two-year partnership is
expected to 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 the ceremony, attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbe 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,” Brewer
said.
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.
These partnerships capitalize on the
untapped potential of youth in agriculture and help build the capacity
of young entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses, create secure
jobs, and boost economic growth in Nigeria.
About Babban Gona
The company 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. This business model helps to increase
profitability of smallholder farmers and contributes to household food
security and improved livelihoods. Through the partnership with USAID,
Babban Gona will create positive impact for 20,000 smallholder farmers.
About Hello Tractor
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. The partnership expects to train 100 youth
entrepreneurs on the business of owning and maintaining a fleet of Smart
Tractors. In addition, some 15 young technicians will benefit from
trade skills to repair Smart Tractors.
About Feed the Future
Feed the Future was born out of the
belief that global hunger is solvable. As the U.S. government’s global
hunger and food security initiative, Feed the Future is transforming
lives toward a world where people no longer face the agony and injustice
of extreme poverty, malnutrition, and hunger. To achieve this goal,
Feed the Future agencies work hand-in-hand with partner countries to
develop their agriculture sectors and break the vicious cycle of poverty
and hunger.
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