AGRA

Charity Ezekiel, 31, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, exemplifies resilience and transformation through agriculture. Initially yielding only ten bags of maize per hectare, she now thrives, thanks to AGRA’s Gender Consortium and Palm Valley Nigeria.

Training in modern planting techniques, fertilizer application, and high-quality seeds dramatically improved her yields. “They taught us so much!” she exclaimed, highlighting the impact of new knowledge. The fertilizer placement method proved particularly effective, boosting her harvest to 34 bags per hectare.

The arrival of AGRA-supported processing facilities further revolutionized her business. Previously limited to selling raw maize, Charity now processes her crops into high-quality flour, baby food, and baking blends. “The plant is like a dream come true!” she said, emphasizing her newfound control over her produce and profits. She has also expanded into rice processing, supplying ready-to-cook rice and flour.

Charity’s journey embodies Nigeria’s food systems transformation, showcasing market-driven productivity. She is now a businesswoman, mentor, and leader, sharing her knowledge with others. “I want to grow, support my family, and inspire more young women to see farming as a business,” she stated.

AGRA and Palm Valley have also connected Charity with suppliers of high-quality inputs, ensuring sustained growth. Her story demonstrates that investing in smallholder farmers drives national progress, bridging production gaps and strengthening local economies.