The AGRAR 1 project strengthened microfinance institutions and training providers in developing needs-based financial and training opportunities for smallholder farmers and small and medium-sized farms in rural Nigeria. The aim was to increase local value creation, promote rural employment and contribute to food security.
Starting situation
Nigeria is facing significant economic and social challenges. Strong population growth, neglected rural areas and a lack of economic prospects lead to high youth unemployment and rural exodus. The government is therefore increasingly focusing on the development of the agricultural sector and the promotion of small businesses, especially in rural areas.
At the same time, economic uncertainties such as inflation, currency decline and declining government revenues are weighing on the country. Smallholder agriculture often remains unproductive, partly due to a lack of access to advice, inputs and financing. Medium-sized companies that are capable of growth also suffer from a lack of capital, as they can hardly offer collateral and banks act cautiously.
While microfinance services are increasingly saturated in urban centres, rural regions offer considerable potential – in particular through adapted financial products for agriculture and targeted training for microfinance banks and smallholders.
Goal
Microfinance institutions, vocational education and training institutions and other relevant partners are sustainably empowered to implement practical education and training opportunities for the agricultural sector as well as needs-based financial products for smallholder farmers and rural MSMEs – with the aim of increasing rural value creation, promoting employment and improving food security.
RESULTS
- 255 Trainers of Trainers (ToT) were trained, training over 29,000 smallholder farmers in good agricultural practice, financing, cooperative formation, credit use and market access.
- In cooperation with the agricultural industry and the AHK, three practical training courses were created: Specialist for Animal Husbandry, Specialist for Quality Assurance and Specialist for Poultry Technology.
- 863 employees and managers from 195 microfinance banks were trained in business planning, microinsurance and digitalisation.
- In cooperation with 20 microfinance banks , an e-learning platform and 63 modules on agricultural lending and agricultural financing have been developed.
- During the COVID pandemic, 245 Champion Farmers were trained and equipped to engage in urban farming, strengthening food security in times of crisis.
Project:
2017 – 2021
Project budget:
€3.55 million
Partner organisations:
Hasal MFB, LAPO MFB, TGI Group/Chi Farms, TUNS Farms, FoodPro, Big Dutchman, Dayntee Farms
Country:
Nigeria
Funder:
BMZ via sequa
OUR PARTNERS
