In a groundbreaking collaboration, Horti Nigeria has partnered with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), to establish a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector.
The four-year initiative, spanning from 2021 to 2025, is generously funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) and executed by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in collaboration with consortium partners like East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT), Wageningen University and Research (WUR), and KIT Royal Tropical Institute.
The visionary project facilitator at FUNAAB, Isaac Aiyelaagbe, outlined the primary goal of Horti Nigeria—to foster a sustainable horticulture sector that is inclusive of gender and youth, significantly contributing to food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
This ambitious objective aligns with both Dutch and Nigerian food security plans, as well as broader initiatives outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Aiyelaagbe emphasized the urgency of addressing poverty in Nigeria, revealing that 43% of the population lives on less than $1 per day.
He highlighted the impact on West Africa, stating that one in two individuals requiring nutrition assistance is Nigerian.
The scale of the challenge is immense, with over 12 million Nigerians in need of food security assistance.
Acknowledging the heightened food insecurity due to COVID-19 lockdown measures, Aiyelaagbe affirmed Horti Nigeria’s commitment to catalyzing positive change.
The programme aims to enhance the productivity of 60,000 smallholder farmers, focusing on eco-efficient production systems and improved agricultural practices.
Kano and Kaduna states are the targeted areas for impact, with an anticipated net income exceeding 9 million euros.
Commending the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Babatunde Kehinde, Aiyelaagbe highlighted the crucial role played by FUNAAB in providing the necessary land and commitment for the success of the program. While Horti Nigeria won’t provide direct funding for projects, it will supply essential resources.
Aiyelaagbe stressed the University’s responsibility in safeguarding equipment, as periodic inspections by the Dutch government are expected.
Expressing gratitude for the support of the VC, Aiyelaagbe underscored the significance of Horti Nigeria as a form of out-of-school learning.
He reassured his commitment to lead until the university is fully equipped to take over, recognizing the importance of building capacity for entrepreneurship within FUNAAB.
This collaborative venture marks a significant step towards cultivating a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector, addressing the pressing issues of food insecurity in Nigeria.
Source: FUNAAB
