Table of Contents
Introduction
In a recent episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast, we sat down with Feyi Fadurogbangba, the vibrant Communications Manager at HortiNigeria, to uncover the inspiring journey and impact of the Dutch-funded horticulture program shaping Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
From farm beds in Kano to innovation labs in Ogun, HortiNigeria is not just a project — it’s a movement empowering over 67,000 smallholder farmers to rewrite their own success stories.
A Mission Rooted in Transformation
Launched in 2021, HortiNigeria is a four-year program funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria. Its vision is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-smart horticulture sector that strengthens food and nutrition security across Nigeria.
At its inception, the program targeted 60,000 farmers. However, it has already surpassed expectations, reaching 67,000+ farmers, particularly in the northern states of Kaduna and Kano.
In the South, the strategy is different but just as impactful — piloting innovations and promoting biodiversity. Whether a tomato farmer in Kano or a vegetable entrepreneur in Ogun, HortiNigeria is building bridges between traditional practices and modern innovation.
Modern Farming, Real Results
One of the most striking outcomes? A tenfold increase in tomato yield. While the national average hovers between 5–7 tonnes per hectare, farmers under the program have reported an average of 40 tonnes, with standout yields reaching a staggering 80 tonnes per hectare. That’s history in the making!
By introducing modern farming techniques, solar pumps, and sustainable methods, farmers are not only increasing productivity and income, but they’re also becoming community change-makers. Take Fatima Mahmud and Musa D. Suleiman, two standout beneficiaries who, through the program’s training, have emerged as leaders in their communities.
Combatting Post-Harvest Loss & Boosting Finance Access
Post-harvest losses used to be a nightmare for vegetable farmers. But not anymore. Through partnerships with NIHORT, Soilless Farm Lab, and plastic manufacturers, HortiNigeria introduced durable plastic baskets to replace traditional raffia sacks — a simple switch that saves tonnes of food.
Even more, the program is unlocking financial access through collaborations with institutions like LAPO and FCMB, offering farmers credit, insurance enlightenment, and sector coordination to help their businesses thrive.
Building Champions, Empowering Youth
HortiNigeria doesn’t just train farmers — it builds business champions. One such trailblazer is Ifeoluwa Oyeyemi, CEO of Farm Help Agribusiness, who champions technology adoption and has trained over 1,000 NYSC corps members, igniting ripple effects among young agripreneurs nationwide.
Collaborations with universities such as Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, and partnerships with actors in Oyo and Ogun States, are further deepening the knowledge-sharing ecosystem and bringing innovation right to the grassroots.
The Power of Collaboration
At the heart of the program are four major implementing partners:
- IFDC (Lead Implementer)
- East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer
- Wageningen University & Research
- KIT Royal Tropical Institute
Together, they are working hand-in-hand with HortiNigeria to deliver technical support, coordinate activities, and scale solutions that matter.
A Future Full of Promise
Still, challenges persist from policy disruptions due to elections to limited subsidies affecting technology adoption. Yet, Feyi remains hopeful. In her words, “If all hands are on deck, the horticulture sector in the next 5–10 years will create massive job opportunities, especially for youth, and rewrite Nigeria’s agricultural story.”
With a strong focus on communication, collaboration, and community impact, HortiNigeria is proving that agriculture is not just the past — it’s the future. And the future is bright, innovative, and brimming with green possibilities.
Catch the full episode on the Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast and get inspired by the voices leading the charge in transforming Nigeria’s horticultural value chain, one farmer at a time. Agriculture is calling. Will you answer?