Nigeria's agribusiness sector remains one of the country's most important but underdeveloped economic pillars, employing millions of people while offering untapped opportunities in crops, livestock, processing and technology.
As the country looks to reduce its dependence on oil and food imports, private sector players are stepping in to bridge the gap in skills, access and confidence.
One such effort is being led by Paradise Dynamic Farms, an agribusiness company that it says focuses on empowerment, training and value creation in Nigeria's food system.
Agribusiness is widely seen as a path to economic diversification, offering employment, export revenues and value addition.
Despite these benefits, challenges remain. Weak links between production and consumption, limited access to training and poor market coordination are hindering development.
Training, trust and grassroots empowerment
Paradise Dynamic Farms says it has designed its empowerment program to respond to these shortcomings.
Speaking at a recent awards ceremony, brand director Gloria Robson said the company combines agricultural training with technology and financial literacy to help participants build sustainable livelihoods.
According to Robson, the program focuses on families and targets long-term self-sufficiency rather than short-term assistance. Training includes agribusiness skills, technology such as web development and digital tools, and financial literacy to help participants manage and increase income.
The event operates at a low entry cost, with participants purchasing tickets worth N1,000. In return, beneficiaries receive training and, in some cases, access to agricultural inputs such as livestock.
from doubt to proof
At the event, Chiamaka Umegwu emerged as the first prize winner, receiving N1 million and a year's supply of agricultural produce. The second and third prize winners, Abayomi Omolofe and Rashidat Monisola, received N500,000 and N250,000 along with supply of produce for six and three months respectively.
Umegwu said he was initially skeptical of the program but was later convinced after receiving the award. “I only bought a ticket for N1,000 and did not expect to win,” he said.
closing the value chain gap
Speaking at the event, Vice President Abraham Ofokor said one of Nigeria's biggest agribusiness problems is the weak middle layer between producers and consumers.
He said Paradise Dynamic Farms is experimenting with advance sales and brand ambassadors to reduce price volatility and losses.
As Nigeria's population grows and demand for food increases, initiatives focused on agribusiness investment, agri-technology and market access are being seen as essential for sustainable development.
