60,000 smallholder farmers targeted as IFDC launches HortiNigeria

  The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in collaboration with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT), Wageningen University and Research (WUR) and KIT Royal Tropical Institute has announced an innovative plan to boost the productivity and income of 60,000 smallholder farmers in the country, by introducing eco-efficient agronomic practices.   Briefing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja […]

 

The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in collaboration with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT), Wageningen University and Research (WUR) and KIT Royal Tropical Institute has announced an innovative plan to boost the productivity and income of 60,000 smallholder farmers in the country, by introducing eco-efficient agronomic practices.  

Briefing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the launch of the programme tagged ‘HortiNigeria’, IFDC President, Albin Hubscher, said 50 per cent youth and 40 per cent women would be targeted.  

He said the four-year programme aims to support Nigeria in building a sustainable and gender and youth inclusive horticulture sector that contributes to food and nutrition security in the country.  

Hubscher said the programme would be implemented in Kano, Kaduna, Ogun and Oyo states, focusing on tomato, okra, onion and pepper value chains.   

He said: “Acreage under sustainable cultivation will be increased by 15,000 hectares. Seasonal risks will be reduced by promoting innovations and regional diversifications to 2,000 entrepreneur farmers. Additionally, the program will increase access to finance for 50 agricultural-related SMEs and enhance sector coordination and will facilitate 200 business-to-business linkages in four states.”  

The Program Director of HortiNigeria, Mohammed Salasi Idris, said at the end of 2025, farmers would produce more and better-quality vegetables for the market with an annual incremental value of 9.7 million Euros.