Horticulture: Experts Push for Trade Over Aid

A Growing Horticultural Sector in Nigeria

In recent days, a diverse group of stakeholders including horticultural experts, university representatives, farmers, entrepreneurs, donor agencies, and members of the diplomatic corps convened in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the 2025 HortiNigeria learning event and stakeholder engagement. This gathering brought together a significant number of young horticultural farmers and entrepreneurs from Kaduna, Kano, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, and other regions across Nigeria to network, exchange knowledge, and explore opportunities within the country’s horticultural sector.

HortiNigeria is a program funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, with the goal of fostering a sustainable and inclusive horticulture industry. The initiative has been instrumental in supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, who are increasingly becoming key players in this evolving sector.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Bengt van Loosdrecht, emphasized the program's impact during his keynote address. He highlighted that the initiative had empowered over 70,000 smallholder farmers, with more than 40% being women and 50% under the age of 35. “We are seeing women move from farmlands to farm owners, and we see young graduates choosing agribusiness over traditional urban jobs,” he stated. These individuals are now leading as business service providers, lead farmers, and aggregators, forming the backbone of a modern agricultural economy.

The ambassador also noted significant improvements in crop yields, with farmers reporting an average increase of 92% in crops like cabbage, tomatoes, and onions. For example, a farmer who once harvested 10 tonnes of tomatoes is now producing around 20 tonnes on the same land, effectively doubling their income.

Transforming the Horticultural Landscape

Mohammed Salasi Idris, the program director, shared insights into the potential of Nigeria's vegetable sector. He emphasized that with the right environment, the country could double its horticulture exports by 2030 and reach $500 million in exports, creating thousands of jobs and reducing food inflation. However, he stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders.

Idris pointed out that the sector faces several challenges, including a vegetable supply deficit, weak extension services, and high post-harvest losses. Additionally, financial barriers have hindered growth, with banks perceiving the sector as too risky. Despite these obstacles, the program has made significant strides in improving productivity and sustainability.

Ms. Mary Omolola Omaolapo, the monitoring, evaluation, and learning coordinator, highlighted the program's achievements in increasing participation among women and youths. She noted that 100% of the inclusion targets were met, with over 60% of farmers adopting new technologies. Yield increases averaged 93%, while post-harvest losses dropped significantly.

However, the program faced challenges in mobilizing financial resources. While they aimed to raise 6 million euros over four years, they have currently secured 4 million euros. Omaolapo explained that fluctuations in the exchange rate have impacted the target achievement.

Young Entrepreneurs Making an Impact

Young farmers and entrepreneurs are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of horticulture in Nigeria. Samson Ogbole, a young farmer and team lead at Soilless Farm Lab, shared how the program supported his success. His farm, spanning over 100 acres of greenhouses, has become a model for other youths in the country.

Amina Mohammed Sani, owner of Mix Condiment Paste Nig Ltd in Kano, credited the program for enhancing her skills and enabling her to become one of the largest tomato paste producers in the region. Similarly, Adaora Akojuru, a tomato processor with a degree in Agricultural Economics, shared how the program helped her grow her business.

Smallholder farmers like Umar MaiSolar and Mary Yakubu have also benefited from the initiative. Umar, known as MaiSolar for his innovative use of solar-powered drip irrigation, has seen his yield more than double, earning him recognition in his community.

Addressing Industry Challenges

During the learning event, participants engaged in discussions about critical issues affecting the horticultural sector, particularly the impact of importation and smuggling. Stakeholders called for stronger enforcement of regulations and greater support for local initiatives like HortiNigeria.

Alhaji Abdullahi Ringim, president of the Nigerian Tomato Farmers Association, emphasized the need for government and regulatory bodies to address these challenges. The event also included field trips to the National Horticultural Research Institute in Ibadan, where participants explored cutting-edge technologies to combat pests like tuta absoluta.

Through these efforts, the horticultural sector in Nigeria continues to evolve, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable growth.