Insurance Project Empowers Kaduna Smallholder Poultry Farmers

For smallholder poultry farmers in Kaduna and surrounding states, recovering from devastating losses is no longer a distant dream but a lived reality under the Poultry Supply Chain De-risking Project (POS-DERP). Supported by Heifer Nigeria in partnership with Pullus Africa and Leadway Assurance, the project recently disbursed insurance payouts to farmers affected by poultry losses. […]

For smallholder poultry farmers in Kaduna and surrounding states, recovering from devastating losses is no longer a distant dream but a lived reality under the Poultry Supply Chain De-risking Project (POS-DERP).

Supported by Heifer Nigeria in partnership with Pullus Africa and Leadway Assurance, the project recently disbursed insurance payouts to farmers affected by poultry losses. This effort is part of a broader strategy to strengthen farmer resilience, reduce risk, and transform agricultural support systems across Nigeria’s poultry value chain.

“When we started, the vision was to create an integrated support system that addresses the real challenges poultry farmers face,” said Mrs. Opeoluwa Fayomi, CEO of Pullus Africa.

“This project brings together financing, training, extension support, and now insurance a complete lifeline for the smallholder.”

She said to date, over 23,000 farmers have received training through the program, with 166 poultry farmers financed across Kaduna, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to her, with payouts underway, the project is closing the loop on risk mitigation offering tangible protection to those most vulnerable to disease outbreaks and financial shocks.

Dr. Ese Abiyere, Leadway Assurance’s Veterinary Officer and Agric Insurance Specialist, explained that insurance claims have been fast-tracked through simplified processes. “Pullus farmers receive priority,” he said. “We’ve made the process easier with clear requirements like vaccination records and basic biosecurity protocols. This is how insurance becomes a real safety net not just paperwork.”

Abisoye Odeyemi, CTO of Pullus Africa, underscored the power of technology in making insurance accessible and efficient. She announced upcoming updates to the Pullus app, enabling farmers to upload vaccination records and generate claims reports directly from their phones.

“Technology and data are our tools for building trust and driving growth,” Odeyemi noted. “We are committed to helping farmers document their operations more easily, which ultimately improves insurance access and farm profitability.”

Representing the Kaduna State Government, Dr. Zakariya Pakachi, Director of Veterinary and Livestock Services, praised the initiative as a “transformative moment” in agricultural policy implementation.

“Insurance is not just a financial product it is a tool of dignity, a shield for livelihoods, and a gateway to growth,” he said. “This program exemplifies how innovation, commitment, and collaboration can drive grassroots transformation.”

He praised the program’s impact on over 20,000 trained farmers, 3,000 linked to markets, and 200 who directly benefited from insurance coverage.

He explained that the payout ceremony is not only a celebration of resilience but a clear message: agriculture in Kaduna State is being transformed with deliberate policies, smart partnerships, and farmer-centered innovations.

He said the POS-DERP initiative supports the broader goals of Senator Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN agenda, particularly around agriculture, social welfare, and rural empowerment.