One Acre Fund’s Commitment to Kwara State Farmers
One Acre Fund, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers across Africa, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers in Kwara State. The NGO disclosed that it is set to achieve this through access to quality seeds, fertilisers, credit facilities, and modern agricultural training.
The organisation’s Impact Innovations Lead, Funke Adewole, stated this on Wednesday during the ‘Kwara Harvest Day’ held at Iyana-Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. The event featured a product showcase, mini maize expo, and live demonstrations of innovative farming techniques by One Acre Fund’s seed partner, SeedCo, alongside an award presentation to outstanding farmers.
Adewole said One Acre Fund’s primary goal was to help farmers increase productivity and improve their standard of living through inclusive access to agricultural innovations.
“One Acre Fund started operations in East Africa and launched in Nigeria in 2018 with just 150 farmers in Niger State. Today, we serve over 400,000 farmers nationwide and continue to expand rapidly,” she explained.
According to her, the organisation extended its operations to Kwara State last year as part of a broader expansion plan across northern Nigeria. In Kwara, the goal is to help farmers improve their productivity through a credit programme that provides input bundles of maize seeds, fertilisers, and herbicides at the beginning of the season. When farmers make profits, they can better provide for their families and live the kind of life they desire.
Adewole further disclosed that more than 75,000 farmers in Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa states had already benefited from the organisation’s credit initiative this year. She, however, emphasised that the success of the programme depended on farmers’ compliance with planting recommendations and prompt repayment of loans.
“Loan repayment is key to sustaining our model and reaching more communities. We urge farmers to follow our agronomic advice and remain committed,” Mrs Adewole said.
She revealed further that the organisation also runs a tree-planting initiative, through which over 250,000 tree seedlings have been distributed to farmers across the country this year, with plans to double the number by 2026.
Meanwhile, she bemoaned the security challenges, particularly banditry, which had limited their operations in some parts of Nigeria. “Security is a major factor we consider before expanding into new areas. Wherever there are reports of banditry, we suspend activities until the environment becomes safe.”
She commended the Kwara State government for its collaboration during the organisation’s setup phase, adding that “One Acre Fund also partners with local authorities and security agencies to ensure a safe working environment for both farmers and staff.”
A beneficiary of the programme, Muhammed Gana, while speaking with Arewa PUNCH, lauded the organisation for introducing improved maize seeds and better farming practices that have transformed their yield outcomes.
“At first, many of us were sceptical. But after trying the new seeds, we saw the difference in our harvest. Now, we are ready to adopt all their recommendations next season,” he said.
Key Initiatives and Future Goals
One Acre Fund has implemented several key initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. These include:
- Credit Programmes: Providing input bundles of maize seeds, fertilisers, and herbicides at the start of the growing season. This helps farmers invest in their crops and improve yields.
- Training and Education: Offering modern agricultural training to ensure farmers understand best practices and can apply them effectively.
- Tree-Planting Initiative: Distributing tree seedlings to promote environmental sustainability and provide additional income sources for farmers.
The organisation has also focused on expanding its reach across Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on northern states. This includes:
- Expansion Plan: Entering new regions like Kwara State to support more farmers and increase the impact of its programmes.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with local governments and security agencies to ensure safe and effective operations.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite its successes, One Acre Fund faces several challenges, including:
- Security Issues: Banditry and other security threats have forced the organisation to suspend operations in certain areas until conditions improve.
- Farmer Compliance: Ensuring that farmers follow recommended planting practices and repay loans promptly is essential for the sustainability of the programme.
To address these issues, the organisation continues to engage with local communities and authorities, promoting transparency and accountability.
Success Stories and Farmer Testimonials
The impact of One Acre Fund’s work is evident in the stories of farmers who have benefited from its programmes. For example, Muhammed Gana shared how the introduction of improved maize seeds and better farming practices has significantly increased his yields. His experience highlights the positive changes that can be achieved through such initiatives.
Other farmers have also reported improved productivity and financial stability, demonstrating the effectiveness of One Acre Fund’s approach.