AGRA

She grew up surrounded by rice fields yet dreamed of becoming anything but a farmer. But life had other plans. Today, Bisenge Mico Mariette once determined to avoid agriculture at all costs is quietly becoming one of Rwanda’s most promising innovators in smart greenhouse farming, turning hesitation into purpose and scarcity into opportunity.

When Mariette looks back at her childhood in the hills of Western Province, Risizi District, Muganza Sector, she smiles at the unexpected twist. She grew up surrounded by rice fields yet agriculture was the last thing she ever imagined calling a career.

“I had never imagined agriculture to be my profession. It was not appealing. It wasn’t aesthetic,”
she said.

As a young girl, Mariette pictured herself wearing a white doctor’s coat, becoming an engineer, or standing in a courtroom as a lawyer. That future felt cleaner, more modern far from the mud-stained image of farming she grew up knowing.

Determined never to cross paths with agriculture, she deliberately chose to study Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry (MPC) in high school.

“In mathematics we used to say parallel lines never meet. That was my plan to never cross paths with agriculture,”
she says.

She carried this mindset into university, pursuing Energy Engineering at the University of Rwanda. By her second year, she was already an entrepreneur dabbling in fashion, construction, and recycling. Agriculture was still far from the picture.

But while searching for new business opportunities, she stumbled upon a gap in agriculture one technology could fill.

Mariette began building an agri-tech system designed to monitor and control environmental conditions in greenhouses and open fields supporting precision and climate-resilient agriculture. The idea was strong, but It exposed a reality she had been avoiding

“I realized I couldn’t do that without being a farmer. I had to experience what farmers face every day to solve their problems.”

It was an unexpected turn. She wasn’t proud at first. She felt insecure, unsure of how to explain to people why she had become “an agriculture person.”“I always felt like I owed people an explanation. I wasn’t convinced myself… but I had trust that the path would make sense someday.” She said.

Her greatest barrier was capital. She had no job and the only income she had was a 40,000 Rwf monthly university allowance.“That money wasn’t even enough. But I still believed something would work.” She said.

Her breakthrough came when she applied for the Imali Agribusiness program by the Imbuto Foundation and won 10 million Rwf to begin her project.

But even that, she says, “wasn’t enough” for what she needed to deliver. She continued seeking support, including through BDF, while also acknowledging her second biggest weakness was lack of agricultural skills.

Through Rwanda Extension Agriculture programs and partners like AGRA, FAO, and Mastercard Foundation, she gained technical skills, exposure, and most importantly, access to markets.

She highlights one experience with particular gratitude: “At the AgriShow in Mulindi, they paid for everything our stand, transport, food, accommodation. That changed everything for me.”

Mariette eventually launched Smart Greenhouse, a company combining greenhouse farming and precision agriculture technologies. Her innovations monitor and regulate conditions that influence crop growth directly supporting Rwanda’s 2030 goal of increasing agricultural productivity by 25%.

Today, Smart Greenhouse operates in Gicumbi, Rwamagana, and Bugesera, serving both local and international markets.

The company currently employs 6 permanent employees and 30 temporary worker’s daily. Mariette says agriculture taught her that transparency inspires others.“We were taught not to talk about money. But I want youth to know there are opportunities.”

Revenues vary by season tomatoes take four months, sweet pepper 6–8 months, habanero a year, strawberries 8–12 months. But across all three greenhouses. Smart Greenhouse earns between 28–30 million Rwf gross per season, after covering salaries, taxes, and costs.

Her journey mirrors the barriers many young people encounter capital market access and skills and technical capacity. Yet she insists these problems should not discourage anyone.

“Dear fellow youth, agriculture needs you. We eat every day. The population is increasing while the land is decreasing. Agriculture needs creative, innovative youth more than any industry will ever need you.” She said.

Mariette urges partners to support farmers in accessing premium markets: “Middlemen take our produce for very low prices, then sell it high because they access bigger markets. We take all the risk yet earn the least.”She hopes for collaborations that expand market access both locally and abroad.

Her dream is bold, clear and rooted in the future of controlled-environment agriculture: “In five years, I will be a big greenhouse farmer. Saying my name Mariette will mean greenhouse farmer. You won’t separate the two.”

Mariette’s journey reflects a larger shift in Rwanda’s agriculture at a time when the country must create over 850,000 agri-food jobs by 2030 and still loses up to 40% of horticultural produce due to limited market access. With only 2% of Rwanda’s farmland irrigated and more than 70% of citizens relying on agriculture for their livelihoods, her smart greenhouse model shows how technology can boost productivity and resilience.

By earning 28–30 million Rwf per season from just three greenhouses, she demonstrates the untapped potential of youth-led agribusiness and directly contributes to Rwanda’s national goal of increasing agricultural productivity by 25% by 2030 proving that innovation, not land size, will define the future of farming.

In the bustling heart of Addis Ababa, a quiet milk revolution is underway. At the helm is Selam Yihun, 27, a dynamic young entrepreneur redefining what it means to lead with purpose. As Co-Founder and CEO of Plafko Trading PLC, Selam is on a mission to make plant-based living not just a lifestyle choice but an accessible solution for millions across Ethiopia.

Selam’s journey into agribusiness is deeply personal. Inspired by her mother, a nurse known for her compassion and service, Selam learned early the value of community impact. As a teenager, she volunteered in her community, shaping her sense of responsibility and drive for positive change. “Those early experiences shaped my vision,” she reflects. A transformative trip to Kigali, Rwanda, later cemented her entrepreneurial path.

“In Kigali, I saw milk bars where plant-based drinks like soya milk and oats were everyday staples,” she says. “It struck me that in Ethiopia, such concepts were rare. I realized e-commerce and agro-processing could transform nutrition across Africa.”

Returning home, Selam undertook extensive research, interviewing 300 individuals and 54 cafés and milk processors. The findings revealed a strong demand for affordable, high-quality plant-based alternatives. She and her team launched Plafko in 2024, selling over 187 litres of oat milk and generating the company’s first round of revenue. “We’re now working In the Process of working with farmers to grow oats aiming to produce over 80 litres per day and sell at 800 birrs per litre,” Selam explains. “Our goal is to scale mechanized production for middle-class buyers.”

Her strategy focuses on collaborating with local farmers and esteemed research institutions such as AGRA to improve seed production and implement biofortification. It aims to improve soil health, increase seed multiplication and marketing, and address micronutrient deficiencies in plant-based products.

Plafko’s fortified, dairy-free alternatives position the brand as a leader in combating malnutrition and offering healthier food options for populations with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions. “Our products deliver on both taste and health—without compromise,” Selam says.

With its strong Ethiopian identity and cultural authenticity, Plafko resonates with health-conscious consumers, individuals observing fasting traditions, and those embracing modern, lifestyle-driven choices. The company leverages digital platforms and B2B partnerships with cafés, restaurants, and organic markets to expand its reach. Through her experience and consultations across business, marketing, and startup incubation, Selam has built a unique skill set to drive Plafko’s mission forward. Startup programs like Jasiri Talent Investor and BIC Africa Catalyzer have supported her in refining the business model and scaling operations.

AGRA’s efforts to strengthen agribusiness ecosystems in Africa align closely with Selam’s mission. “Support from organisations like AGRA—whether through training, market access, or catalytic funding—can make the difference between an idea remaining on paper and becoming a movement,” she reflects. As Chair of the Youth Sounding Board for the European Union Delegation to Ethiopia and a member of the World Food Forum Youth Representatives Program (WFF YRP), Selam envisions building networks among youth and agro-processors to facilitate knowledge-sharing and strengthen agricultural value chains.

She knows shifting Ethiopian consumption habits requires innovation. “We’re educating communities on the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets while ensuring affordability and cultural acceptance,” she explains.

In Ethiopia, where child malnutrition remains a significant challenge, Selam believes addressing these issues requires collective synergy across sectors. “Together, we can create sustainable solutions that nourish children and strengthen communities,” she emphasizes.

The participation of ten Ethiopian youth delegates at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 in Dakar — including the bold leadership of Selamawit Yihun, founder of OatMilk Ethiopia — demonstrated how global exposure transforms youthful ideas into real opportunity. In the Youth Dome, where she showcased her plant-based nutritional innovation, Selamawit captured the essence of the experience, saying: “The Dome turned shyness into confidence; it taught me that innovation begins with courage.” Her visibility expanded even further through Farm Radio International and AGRA’s communications platforms, where she took part in live broadcasts that carried Ethiopian youth voices across 22 African countries. Dakar became a turning point: a place where Selamawit’s creativity, communication, and courage converged into a clear pathway for scaling climate-smart nutrition, strengthening women’s agribusiness leadership, and contributing to Ethiopia’s future in food-systems transformation.

Looking ahead, Selam plans to launch fortified plant-based yoghurts, expand distribution across East Africa, and invest in larger production facilities by 2026. Beyond business, she sees her work as a commitment to environmental stewardship and community health. “It’s not just about plant-based food,” she says. “It’s about nourishing people and the planet.”

For Selam, success is measured not only in litres sold but in lives changed. As she stands at the forefront of Africa’s plant-based revolution, her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Start small, dream big, and build with purpose.”

AGRA marks 20 years of operation across the continent, Rwanda stands out as one of the countries where its interventions have produced tangible and lasting results.

On KPMEDIA Podcast, Jean Paul Ndagijimana, AGRA’s Country Manager in Rwanda highlighted that the journey has been less about celebrating projects and more about building systems that work for farmers.

“AGRA was founded in 2006 following the vision of the late Kofi Annan, who believed that transforming agriculture was the fastest way to transform Africa,” Ndagijimana said. “Over 60 percent of Africans depend on agriculture, so any serious development agenda had to start there.”

In Rwanda, AGRA’s work began in the context of post-genocide reconstruction, when institutions including agriculture were being rebuilt almost from scratch. The organization identified human capacity as the most urgent gap.

“At that time, what Rwanda needed most was skilled people scientists, breeders, extension specialists,” Ndagijimana explained. “So AGRA invested heavily in education.”

Through partnerships with institutions such as the Rockefeller Foundation and the Gates Foundation, AGRA supported more than 50 Rwandans to obtain Master’s degrees and over 27 to complete PhDs in fields including crop science, plant genetics, and breeding. Many of these professionals are now working in research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector.

AGRA’s support went beyond training. Over the past 20 years, the organization has invested approximately USD 20 million in Rwanda, channelled into research infrastructure, laboratories, equipment, vehicles, and production facilities.

“A country does not only need people; it also needs tools,” Ndagijimana said. “We supported laboratories, in-vitro facilities for potatoes, and research stations in Musanze and other areas.”

These investments contributed to Rwanda’s ability to develop its own improved crop varieties. Today, Rwanda produces locally bred, high-yield maize varieties and is making similar progress in rice, soybeans, and potatoes.

One of AGRA’s most impactful interventions focused on addressing aflatoxin contamination in maize a problem that once locked farmers out of major markets. When Africa Improved Foods (AIF) opened its factory in Rwanda, it

was rejecting nearly 90 percent of locally produced maize due to quality concerns.

“It was painful,” Ndagijimana recalled. “The factory was in Rwanda, but farmers could not sell to it.”

AGRA worked with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and international partners to introduce biological control solutions such as Failsafe, alongside improved post-harvest handling practices, including drying maize on the cob.

“Today, more than 90 percent of Rwandan maize meets AIF’s standards,” he said. “That completely changed the relationship between farmers and the market.”

AGRA also played a central role in shifting Rwanda’s seed system from state-dominated to private-sector-driven. In 2016, Rwanda had almost no private seed companies. Today, there are more than 20.

“Government was producing seed, distributing seed, and regulating seed it was too much,” Ndagijimana noted. “We worked with government to bring in private companies while allowing the state to focus on research and regulation.”

Private companies now dominate seed multiplication and marketing, while government institutions concentrate on breeder seed and quality assurance an arrangement that has strengthened sustainability and efficiency.

With youth and women forming the backbone of Rwanda’s population, AGRA has increasingly focused on making agriculture attractive, profitable, and modern.

“Young people don’t want agriculture that depends only on hard manual labor,” Ndagijimana said. “They want technology, data, and predictable income and that’s what we are supporting.”

Through greenhouses, irrigation systems, digital advisory services, and smart pest-management tools, AGRA has helped reposition agriculture as a business. The organization targets supporting 132,000 young people most of them women into agricultural employment by 2028.

AGRA’s latest strategy prioritizes value chains such as avocado, chili, and poultry due to their strong domestic and export demand.

“Chili can start generating income in as little as six months, and global demand is high,” Ndagijimana said. “Avocado offers long-term security one tree can produce for over 20 years.”

These commodities, he added, provide both quick wins and long-term income stability, especially for young agripreneurs.

Rwanda hosts the secretariat of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), a major continental platform convened by AGRA that brings together over 5,000 participants, including heads of state, investors, private companies, and development partners.

“Being the convener of AFSF shows the trust placed in AGRA,” Ndagijimana said. “And for Rwanda, hosting the forum generates millions of dollars in economic activity and invaluable knowledge exchange.”

He noted a growing trend of African and Rwandan diaspora investors using AFSF as a bridge to invest back home, particularly in high-value crops such as avocado and chili.

For Ndagijimana, the most meaningful measure of success is at the farmer level.

“What makes me happiest is seeing a farmer who used to beg for a buyer now negotiating prices with multiple buyers,” he said. “That power to choose that dignity that is real transformation.”

As AGRA looks ahead, its focus in Rwanda remains clear: strengthen implementation of sound policies, deepen private-sector engagement, and ensure that gains especially in seed systems and markets are sustained.

“We know where Rwanda is going,” Ndagijimana concluded. “The task now is to turn strong policies into everyday reality for farmers.”

After 20 years of AGRA’s engagement in Rwanda, the impact is no longer measured only in narratives, but in numbers. Over USD 20 million has been invested in Rwanda’s agricultural systems. More than 50 Rwandans have earned Master’s degrees and 27 have completed PhDs, strengthening the country’s scientific and institutional backbone.

Rwanda has moved from importing nearly 100 percent of its improved maize seed in 2017 to meeting domestic demand by 2022, with over 20 private seed companies now operating in the country, compared to virtually none a decade ago. In maize markets, rejection rates due to aflatoxin contamination dropped from 90 percent to below 10 percent, unlocking stable markets for thousands of smallholder farmers.

AGRA’s current strategy targets the creation of 132,000 jobs by 2028, most of them for youth and women, while high-value value chains such as chili and avocado are positioning Rwanda for long-term export growth.

Taken together, these figures point to a structural shift, from subsistence to systems, from uncertainty to structured markets, and from dependency to local capacity. For Rwanda’s agriculture sector, the next phase will be judged not by new pilots, but by how these numbers continue to grow and who benefits most from them.

AGRA’S Agricultural Transformation Office (ATO) made a strong showing at Nane Nane 2025, Tanzania’s annual national agricultural exhibition. The platform was used to promote the Agriculture Master Plan (AMP) in alignment with the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 (DIRA 2050), highlight AMP flagship initiatives, and engage stakeholders in shaping practical solutions for the agricultural sector.

Key Highlights

Farmer Voices
Farmers expressed optimism about the AMP and emerging technologies, requesting more accessible financing, suitable seed varieties, and clear guidance on loan access. Youth- and women-focused demonstrations were especially well-received for their practical, easy-to-apply content.

Outcomes & Next Steps
The event boosted AMP visibility, sparked new partnership opportunities, and gathered valuable farmer insights and feedback to inform upcoming priorities — including quick-win financing pilots and expanded outreach materials in Swahili. ATO reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the AMP remains practical and inclusive.

Leaders’ Perspectives
The Vice President urged stronger alignment with DIRA 2050 and closer links between policy and practice. The Ministry of Agriculture’s Permanent Secretary emphasised Nane Nane’s role as a platform for farmer education, training, and stakeholder engagement.

In the village of Goala, in the Centre-West region of Burkina Faso, a young woman is confidently reinventing rural farming with passion and an entrepreneurial spirit.

At 25, Rasmata Kientega is part of a new generation of rural women farmers who see the land not as a burden, but as a promise of dignity and a future.

An active member of the women’s cooperative Songre la Panga, Rasmata cultivates moringa, baobab, tomatoes, onions, and okra in the community nutrition garden established with support from the PRORES project, implemented by TREE AID and supported by AGRA. This garden not only feeds the village families but also generates real and steady income for 35 women. “This year, I sold 23,250 CFA francs worth of agricultural products,” says Rasmata. “Just with the leaves, we earned 22,500 francs. With tomatoes and onions, 115,000 francs. And with the okra, 35,000 francs.”

But for her, agriculture goes far beyond subsistence. It’s a source of personal pride, a path to economic independence, and a vision for the future. “I want to start a small ruminant livestock business,” she declares, standing among her 20 sheep. “It’s a profitable and promising activity. We just need a little boost to go further.”

Thanks to the project’s support, she has already gained access to land, hands-on training, and maize threshers. Her call now is clear: targeted support for local livestock farming to strengthen incomes, create jobs, and keep youth rooted in rural areas. Rasmata sees her future here, on her land, alongside her peers, transforming her community through smart and integrated agriculture.

Her journey shows that with the right resources, training, and confidence, young rural women can not only feed their villages but also build resilient agricultural micro-enterprises. It’s also a direct response to today’s challenges: food insecurity, climate change, and youth unemployment.

Where some see a need to migrate to cities or abroad, Rasmata sees an opportunity for local growth.

Her message is simple but powerful: agriculture is not a last resort. It’s a real profession. An ambition. A path to leadership.

“I want other girls to know that we can succeed right here, at home, with our land, our ideas, and our courage,” says Rasmata Kientega.

A collaborative Soil Values meeting helped partners coordinate efforts to improve soil health and strengthen farming systems across West Africa.

 In Lomé, Togo, regional and international partners came together under the Soil Values program to shape a unified vision for soil health transformation in West Africa. Spanning watershed management, inclusive markets, and enabling environments, the program convened key players such as IFDC, Wageningen University & Research, SNV, CIFOR-ICRAF, IITA, IWMI, and AGRA to align on shared priorities and co-develop the 2025 implementation roadmap. Additionally, the World Bank with its regional resilience progra FSRP, the Regional Hub for fertilizer and Soil Health for ECOWAS and Sahel, the private sector like WAFA, also participated for synergies identification and implementation.

The gathering focused on aligning strategies and resources to better support smallholder farmers across the region. Through open dialogue and practical planning, partners worked together to identify shared goals, close coordination gaps, and explore how joint actions could be scaled at both national and regional levels.

The session on the “Convening Component”, explored how evidence can help shape more effective collaboration. Dr. Asseta Diallo, Senior Specialist – Soil Health and Integrated Management at AGRA, emphasized the importance of data and partnership in moving from dialogue to results:

“When evidence meets collaboration, it becomes action. That is what we are here to build—a shared agenda rooted in science, guided by local voices, and owned by every partner in the room.”

Discussions focused on practical steps, such as co-organizing national soil health days, sharing data for improved planning, and connecting soil indicators to continental monitoring frameworks. AGRA shared technical guidance to help structure these convenings, ensuring they are grounded in evidence and inclusive of national and regional priorities.

Beyond practical Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM),  the Soil Values program shows the advantage of leveraging and synergizing efforts for a common purpose. Each partner brings unique capabilities, from research to community engagement to policy support. Together, they are laying the groundwork for healthier soils, improved and nutritious harvests, and more resilient livelihoods.

This kind of collaboration is essential to achieving impact at scale. By aligning investments, sharing knowledge, and supporting government efforts, the Soil Values partners are helping to transform food systems from the ground up—starting with the soil.

At 56 years old, Asabe David is more than a farmer and a mother of seven – she is a community builder and an advocate for change. A pillar of resilience in her community, Asabe has dedicated her life to nurturing her family and the land. Following the passing of her husband, David, she carries the mantle of providing for her children, cultivating maize as the primary crop. For years, like many smallholder farmers, her efforts were met with significant hurdles.

“Farming was our life,” Asabe recalls with a thoughtful expression. “But it was often a struggle, just enough to feed us, with little left over.”

That changed when a local partner, supported by AGRA’s Gender Consortium, extended its reach to Asabe’s cooperative. Through this collaboration, Asabe and her fellow women farmers gained access to vital training and resources designed to elevate their agricultural practices and amplify their collective voice.

“They taught us how to farm better, how to care for our tools, and most importantly, how to work together,” Asabe explains, emphasizing the power of unity. The training also equipped them with crucial advocacy skills, empowering them to engage with traditional leaders and local government to address their needs, particularly the pressing issue of land access.

A tangible turning point came when Asabe received improved maize seedlings through the AGRA-supported initiative. This access to higher-quality inputs, provided without the immediate pressure of repayment, offered a significant boost to her productivity and a glimmer of hope for a more secure harvest. While prioritizing food for her family, Asabe strategically plans to sell a portion later, demonstrating a growing understanding of market dynamics.

But the support extended beyond individual farming practices. The emphasis on cooperative strengthening and networking has fostered a powerful sense of solidarity among the women. Asabe has actively participated in building this network, recognizing that collective action is essential for driving meaningful change. Their unified voice amplifies their advocacy efforts, increasing their chances of securing the resources they need, including land and financial support.

Asabe’s vision for the future is deeply intertwined with the aspirations she holds for her children. While she herself has navigated the demanding realities of farming, her greatest hope is for her children to pursue education and opportunities beyond the farm. The potential for increased income through improved farming practices and collective bargaining, however, offers a pathway to ensuring her children have access to quality education and a brighter future.

Asabe’s journey, facilitated by AGRA’s Gender Consortium, reflects a crucial shift from individual struggle to collective empowerment. She embodies the potential of women farmers when provided with the right tools, knowledge, and a supportive network. Her story underscores the transformative impact of AGRA’s commitment to gender-inclusive agricultural development, demonstrating how empowering women not only strengthens their livelihoods but also cultivates hope and opportunity for generations to come. With continued support, Asabe and her fellow cooperative members are sowing the seeds for a more resilient and prosperous future for their community.

At an energetic pace, Habiba Abdulkarim is more than just a farmer; she is a connector and an advocate. A woman from the Zaria region of Kaduna State, Habiba has cultivated the land as part of a women’s cooperative, primarily growing maize and ginger. For years, accessing enough land to farm was a significant hurdle, limiting their potential and their harvests.

“We often worried about where we would find land to plant,” Habiba recalls, her brow furrowing slightly at the memory. “It held us back from growing more and improving our lives.”

That changed when the Gender Consortium, with the support of AGRA, brought new awareness and a pathway for advocacy to her community. Through workshops and guidance, Habiba and her fellow cooperative members learned how to voice their needs to traditional leaders. Their determined efforts led them to the Hakimi, who listened and allocated 2.4 hectares of land for their collective use.

“It was a huge relief,” Habiba exclaims, a smile spreading across her face. “Finally, we had a place to farm together, to plan and to grow.”

But the journey didn’t end with land. Habiba and her cooperative recognized another critical challenge: accessing quality seeds. Buying seeds individually was expensive and often meant settling for lower quality. Inspired by the spirit of collaboration fostered by AGRA, Habiba and other women’s cooperatives began to network. They connected with other women’s farming groups, realizing the strength in numbers.

“We learned that by working together, we could achieve more,” Habiba explains. “If many cooperatives pooled our money, we could buy better seeds at a better price.”

This collective approach caught the attention of AGRA, who stepped in to facilitate linkages with seed companies. By connecting these women’s cooperatives, AGRA helped bridge the gap between their needs and access to quality agricultural inputs.

Habiba’s story illustrates the power of collective action and the multiplier effect of AGRA’s support. By empowering women with advocacy skills and fostering networks, AGRA enabled them to not only secure land but also to address the critical issue of seed access. Habiba, now more confident and connected, is also encouraging other women in her community to embrace cooperative farming, sharing the knowledge and opportunities she has gained.

“We want other women to see that by working together and speaking up, we can overcome our challenges and build a better future for ourselves and our families,” Habiba emphasizes.

Habiba’s journey, while unique to her community, reflects a broader transformation. Across Nigeria, AGRA’s initiatives are strengthening the capacity of women farmers and their organizations, fostering collaboration, and improving access to essential resources. Habiba’s success is a testament to the potential that is unlocked when women are empowered to advocate for their needs and work together towards a common goal.

“Farming doesn’t have to be a lonely struggle,” Habiba concludes. “By joining hands and learning how to ask for what we need, we can grow stronger together.”

Habiba’s inspiring story demonstrates how empowering women with advocacy skills and fostering cooperative networks can lead to tangible improvements in land access and seed security, paving the way for greater agricultural productivity and economic empowerment.

Sarah Paul, a 35-year-old mother of seven, is transforming smallholder farming in Kaduna, Nigeria. Once struggling with low yields and limited resources, her farm now thrives, contributing significantly to her family’s well-being and Nigeria’s food security. Initially harvesting only two bags of maize per season, Sarah’s fortunes changed when she joined the AGRA-led Gender Consortium Project. This initiative provided crucial training in climate-smart farming, soil management, and improved seed varieties.

Access to quality inputs, facilitated by AGRA’s financing model, enabled Sarah to use high-yield, disease-resistant maize seeds and fertilizer, removing financial barriers. Her maize yields skyrocketed to 15–20 bags per season, and her income surged from ₦60,000 to nearly ₦1 million. This financial stability allows her to invest in her children’s education, securing their future.

Sarah’s success exemplifies Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, addressing the urgent need to increase smallholder productivity and build resilient food systems. By adopting innovative techniques and market-driven solutions, she strengthens food security and reduces reliance on imports. Sarah shares her knowledge with other women, inspiring them to achieve similar success, proving that investing in women farmers unlocks Nigeria’s agricultural potential. Through targeted interventions, numerous smallholders are transitioning to thriving agribusinesses.