FAMILY FARMING – a means to Promote Youth’s Involvement in Agriculture and Agribusiness

Andres Solari, his father and me, Olawale Ojo during Solari's farm visit, during the GCARD2, Punta Del Este, Uruguay.

Among the many highlights of my participation at the Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2)  with the theme FORESIGHT AND PARTNERSHIP FOR INNOVATION AND IMPACT ON SMALL-HOLDER LIVELIHOODS at Punta del Este, Uruguay on 29^th October to November 1, 2012, one experience that I would not forget very quickly was the visit to the Solari Family Farm in MonteVideo Rural in Uruguay.
Andres Solari a youth and one of the children of Mr. Solari gave a tour of the farm. The seventeen (17) hectares farm was been cared for and operated by the Solari family. These included Andres, his brother and sister, his parents and regular assistance from three of their cousins.
The farm grows peaches, apples, nectars and oranges. The processing section which is right there on the farm produces wines, jam and juice.
Touching was the fact that Andres and his siblings judiciously joined their parents in the daily running and operation of the farm business. “My mother started this farm in 1998” he said while giving a tour of the farm and sharing the history of the farm. The sister and mother handles the marketing and sales aspect of the  farm while Andres, his brother and father work on the farm itself with the support of their cousins and hired labour when necessary.
A showcase of one of the main themes of the conference itself which is PARTNERSHIP was dislayed by the Solari’s family farm. The farm works hand in hand with the National Agricultural Institute and the Department of Agronomy in the University of Uruguay. One aspect of the partnership is the reduction of the use of pesticide by provision of biological pest control at reduced cost. This partnership makes it possible for the products of the farm fit for export and allows for sustainability of the farm and environment. These factors : active involvement of the family members in the business, partnership with research bodies and cooperatives have made high productivity possible for the Solari family farm and these has bagged them so many awards such as the Sociedad Uruguay Dehortifruiticulun Award in 2005, LATU Sistemas in 2006 and right during the visit an Award of Recognition by INIA (the National Agricultural Institute).
The commercialization of their products through retailers, supermarket and joining other growers makes exporting possible for them. As a matter of fact, as at the time of the visit the mother was away in Italy to attend the Slow Food Fair which is one of the so many international fair the farm attends to expand their market base.
The example of Andres is one that African youths and families can learn from. So if you have parents that have farms: are you joining them to make it a sustainable business enterprise? Do you share your professional skills either as an accountant, HR manager, engineer and so on to improve the activities on the farm thus increasing profitability? Taking a clue from the example of Andres and his family can go a long way to elevate poverty in families both in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

 First Published on YPARD

Representing African Youths in ARD at The GCARD 2

Speaking on behalf of YPARD AFRICA at the FARA Side- event at the GCARD2

YPARD was invited to present to it activities to theThe Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) at it pre-event conference side event activities held on the 28^th of October 2012 at the 2^nd Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2) holding at Punta del Este, Uruguay. The session was focusing on “Catalyzing African Innovations and entrepreneurship” and it was dedicated to showcasing innovations and entrepreneurships within the agriculture knowledge system in Africa. The objectives of the event were

1.    Share at the global level experiences in catalyzing innovations and entrepreneurship by different regional coordinating bodies from extension to youth and civil society organizations and

2.    Create opportunity to discuss possible partnerships with other continents for South-South and North-South Cooperation.

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex organization for coordinating and facilitating agricultural research extension and Education in Africa. It hosts YPARD Africa. As a result, among the many stakeholders in ARD such as ASARECA, AFAAS, RUFORUM, PAFFO, NASRO, and PANGOC who were present at the event, YPARD Africa was also present to showcase to the apex body their activities so far and plans for the future.

I was invited to represent YPARD Africa and present activities of the continental arm of the organization to the stakeholders. Among the many things mentioned was the role of YPARD in networking Young Professionals in Agricultural Research for Development together and providing a structure for them to show case their works in all areas of Agriculture.

I also elaborated on the role YPARD plays in not only giving voice to the youths but also bringing it to the doorstep of the stakeholders and senior professionals. A typical example is the lobbying for sponsorship of four YPs from Africa to join 12 others from all over the world to bring the voice of youths to the GCARD2. The role YPARD plays in sharing and disseminating information to the youth was showcased as well. Stakeholders at the event also found interesting the YPARD’s program to showcase the efforts of YP doing well in agriculture through its YP of the month testimonial page on their website and it was applauded.

I went ahead to explain the challenges faced by young professionals and YPARD as an organization. These included:

     i.        The need for Young Professional to have more access to internships, field works and mentorship from the various arms of agriculture.

    ii.        The need to provide training on entrepreneurship and soft skills to improve innovation systems.

   iii.        The problem of making agriculture attractive to young people

   iv.        Value addition to the career with appropriate reward system and

    v.        Funding for more offline activities and administrative activities of YPARD Africa at national levels

The various stakeholders appreciated the effort of YPARD so for and encouraged that the flag be kept flying. These discussions were brought before the global research community during FARA’s presentation at the conference itself.

Olawale Isaiah is an active member of YPARD from Nigeria and was part of the 4 youths from Africa sponsored to be part of the 2^nd Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2). This is the second of my post-conference posts. Read the first here.

6 WAYS TO A RIGHT START IN AGRIBUSINESS IN 2013.

As we step into the year 2013, a lot of indications at the last quarter cum earlier activity of 2012 shows that serious attention would be drawn to agriculture, with a business unusual dimension for the sector. What this means is that agriculture would no longer be seen as mere farming- a laborious venture with lot of waiting period for benefits to be gotten but rather as a business, a source of employment for the youths, a source of livelihood and most importantly (especially to me) a sector that young people would begin to find desirous and attractive and lucrative.

To succeed as young people- agric entrepreneurs, it is important that we are armed with not only the relevant information, right and appropriate skills to thrive but have a strong desire and see the attractive but BIG picture in Agriculture, Food Supply Chain, Food Safety etc. Here are a few tips i have decided to share with all the young people out there that desire to go into any part of Agriculture cum Agribusiness or that are already into it.

     i.        Be Business Plan Ready: Funding and grant competitions and opportunities would open up in 2013. One of the basic requirements is that you MUST have a business plan. It is important that you have one ready at all times. Like my friend Allavi Elorm of Syecomp Business Services in Ghana said “Make sure your business plan is handy and accessible in both soft and hard copies”. You just have to be ready when the opportunity comes knocking at the door. Be it a competition or the opportunity to pitch your plan before potential clients or investors.

 

    ii.        Leverage on the Skills and Knowledge (of your friends and associates): Involve trusted friends (vision or dream builders) in our endeavour. The world we live in is blessed with very blessed individuals and this offers us a win-win environment. Be willing to ask for help from friends who would be ready to do some tasks for you at no cost or a cheaper one. Let us take this as a typical example, do you need to do graphic design works for branding of your agro firm why not talk to a friend who has got expertise in graphic design. Often times, such ones are willing to do it for free or at a comfortable discount. BUT never take the help or discount for granted.

 

   iii.        Network and Join the right support Organisations: Trust me, been part of he right networks and organisations either online or offline makes it possible to gain access to information and resources needed. A few examples are Young Professionals’ platform for Agricultural Research for Development(YPARD), Harambe Nigeria, Global Youth Innovation Network (GYIN), National Association of Small Scale Industrialist (NASSI) to mention a few. Like the pages and join groups on social networks that relates to agriculture. All these organisations or networks have products, resources, seminars, workshops and other opportunity openings that young agro entrepreneurs need from time to time.

   iv.        Do not Joke with Farmers’ Organisation: Interestingly, government, research institutions, organisation, banks etc. both local and international desire always to align with groups of farmers rather than individuals. So ensure that you are part of a farmers’ organisation or cooperative at the very least. In Nigeria for example, the government recognises the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and they are found in every state of the federation. So make out time and join one. What more, interacting with fellow farmers and agro allied service providers helps in understanding the terrain and create synergy to tackle common problems and challenges.

 

    v.        Be Information Hungry: it is often said that “knowledge is Power”. As young people (with a so much passion, desire that finds Agriculture attractive), we need to be HUNGRY for relevant and credible information and resources. Sometimes this information opens up tips, opportunities and a large array of doors and networks that would be helpful. This brings me to the Power of the Social Media Networks. Merely following the research bodies like CGIAR, FARA, CIMMIT on twitter connects you to lot of information that would be invaluable.

 

   vi.        Engage in Personal Development and Training: Everyday new findings and results are revealed or unravelled through researches. More knowledge is provided about value chains and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs in the sector. As young entrepreneurs it is important that you get the right trainings through workshops, conferences and specialised training classes. Sometimes you have to pay for them. It could be a new method of cropping or livestock management or even soft skills and business management training. All these makes us fit for the sector and ready to excel.

 

Join the revolution of Young Agroprenuers, our Nation waits on us to turn things around. This is real business. Follow these tips and some more you may have gathered on your own and be sure of success. See you all at the top.

AGRICULTURE AND AGRIBUSINESS, YOUTH DYNAMISM AS STRATEGIC TURNAROUND IN NIGERIA - PART 2

Agriculture is the backbone of any dynamic and forward looking economy with Nigeria not in exception. It plays an important role in socio-economic development by ensuring food security, providing raw materials for foreign & local industries; generate foreign exchange and income for most of the population, majority of which is rural-based as well as providing employment and other strategic rural – urban economic turnaround opportunities.

These turnaround opportunities are evident in two economies like Brazil and South Africa; these two had turned around their rural areas through agriculture and agribusiness and with youths as the centre into semi and major urban centers. The guest speaker from Brazil at the last 6^th economic conference – Ehingbeti 2012 said Brazil has achieved 70% of rural turned urban cities with agriculture as a key part of other factors. Mr Langa Zita, the Director General of the department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, Republic of South Africa reiterated that the government of South Africa had made agriculture cum agribusiness as the pivot for employment and transformation opportunities in the rural cum urban city projects but with YOUTHS at the heart of it. This they have achieved success tremendously.           

Many young people around Africa and Nigeria are beginning to see and experience the advantages and benefit that comes with getting active in agriculture and agribusiness. Gbenga studied Accounting from the University of Ilorin; he got a job with a multinational company just a few months after his youth service. Even at that he still went into agriculture; four years down the line, he started with fish rearing and presently he has a poultry farm and i can still visualize how every morning the number business of people doing eggs, feeds and other business. At our last discussion, he has started training in pig farming which is the next prospect. His network of the business, techno-agro symbiotic management is the trade secret but with a youthful oriented workforce.

In Sierra Leone, Arthur William had a dream of starting a company when he graduated. He shared his vision with three friends who extended it to the whole class of seven in the department of Agricultural Engineering at the Njala University in 2009. They donated 5 US Dollar monthly for this purpose; Overtime the contributors dropped to three people since others could not meet up. In 2010, they invested this seed money in 30 acres of land with oil palm plantation, Rice, Cassava, Vegetable and fruit trees like mango and oranges were planted. The revenue obtained from these products was used to expand the business and support their Post Graduate studies. They also operated at very low cost by getting help from about 20 other youths in the community who got paid not on a monthly basis but by getting 40% of the profit from the sales made. This proved successful and a means to encourage other youth into agriculture.

These two are just a few of many young people who despite the challenges have made use of the opportunities open to them in agriculture and agribusiness. The solution to the problem of food insecurity as the population increases lies in our hands as Nigerian youths. Some ways we can have a good start as successful agric-entrepreneur (Agroprenuer) is to do the following:

Ø      Take active interest and grow a passion for agriculture and its business and a particular aspect that can network other areas as a cycle.

Ø      Think Big with a business plan and entrepreneurial advice from Banks, consultants but always start small, within the capacity you can afford and handle.

Ø      Be well informed about the aspect of agriculture you want to go into especially the risks involved and the market value of product at each stage of the value chain.

Ø      Network with other young people. There are a lot of youth out there who are already into agriculture. Attend Seminars and workshop on agriculture and agribusiness even if you have to pay.

Ø      Acquire practical knowledge. Read books, manuals, journals and work for others on their farms to gain experience and exposure.

Ø      Get training in business planning, marketing and management it has proved very helpful because a major challenge of most agriculturists in Nigeria is their inability to build a business plan and market to their products.

Ø      Be observant and open to new information, techniques etc.

Ø      Be ready to be a team player, most aids from the government and the Bank of Agriculture sometimes require you are in a group of ten or there about. So start watching out for young people you can join hands and work together

Ø      Follow the trend of activities around you to get updated about opportunities open to you through programs like YOUWIN, FADAMA, Agric Growth Enhancement Scheme(GES), First Bank Farm Scheme and others that would be coming on soon under the Agric transformation agenda.

Agriculture and agribusiness: Youth dynamism & turnaround in Nigeria (1)

Everyday the population of Nigeria increases. An international survey on African nations population indicates that in 2030, Nigeria’s population, which now stands at 158 million, would hit a staggering 300 million. This data, in relation to today, speaks of the need to urgently find solutions to the eradication of food insecurity and poverty with various dynamic and strategic policies, programmes etc. to bring about social and economic development that can be sustainable. However, there is a big problem to food security solutions from agriculture.
Another report shows that the average age today of a farmer in Nigerian is between 55 and 60 years and by the year 2030 will rise to between 75 and 80 years. The question that comes to mind is what quantity of food can this old farmers produce for such a rising population by the year 2030 and beyond?
Interestingly, these old farmers have all the experience, knowledge and information (techniques) of Agriculture and not Agribusiness BUT the truth of the matter is undeniable that the answer lies in the hands of the young and vibrant Nigerian youths today. Nigerian youths are not into agriculture and are not even going into it for various reasons. Many value their certificate and ‘status’ in the community as university graduates; they effortlessly search for white-collar jobs that are in reality non-existent. They do not take agriculture as a business (Agribusiness) that can generate profits like any other successful business. They show little or no interest and view it as work for our fore fathers and mothers in the village.
Interestingly,, though agriculture goes with the new technology of the modern world, our elders can no longer match or comply with the requirements of current trends and latest modern technological advances in agriculture (mechanization, use of high yielding varieties, application of inputs and weather forecast compliance). This scenario leaves our young people, no better time to act than NOW to take their place, drive the nation in a critical and dynamic area with the knowledge of these technologies, more with their strength, agility and dexterity needed in agriculture.
Skilled young people including agriculture graduates can play a major role in providing services in the rural areas especially in the agriculture sector, transforming the current subsistence agriculture into an extensive and business oriented one with the food security assured and rural development.
Nigeria today is faced with persisting hunger, civil unrest, armed conflicts, poverty, and corruption. We the youths have inherited a poor nation from our elders; a Nigeria though full of opportunities, possibilities and diverse exploitable areas and talents especially in non-oil exports but instead is plagued in poverty and hunger. A nation where development and nation building have been totally dependent on oil instead of agricultural & Agribusiness cum Green urban cities and activities.
In a bid to handle these crises of food insecurity and climate change, the agricultural sector has been receiving much attention from the local, state & federal governments, not forgetting the international community and other agriculture development partners. It is now more pertinent than ever that resource, incentives and business cum entrepreneur strategies are made available to increase the participation of young people in the sector.
Activating the interest and capacities of young entrepreneurs with investment and attractive policy and government support of private small enterprises will drive the sector. Now is the time for youths to develop themselves not as passive development actors but as aggressive and active actors who can achieve a sustainable agricultural sector.
It would be an omission of reality if we do not address the challenges faced by young people as it relates to their involvement in agriculture and agribusiness. These include:
·    High level of poverty and corruption, resulting in a desire for quick money.
·    Unfavorable government policies as it relate to land acquisition and funding for agricultural purpose particularly for young agriculture entrepreneurs or small private agribusiness farms.
·    The large gap between the mindset perception of success and opportunities of post academics in white-collar jobs (Private & Public), business etc.
·    Lack of access to proper information and orientation to accept agriculture as the new revenue stream.
·    Inadequate infrastructures
·    Lack of entrepreneurship possibilities, incentives & training among majority of youths
Even at that, there are examples of numerous young people in Nigeria and other African countries in agriculture, which have success stories that the sector is not really a challenge but an area untapped and due for plucking.
In the next part, we shall look at practical and possible  success points to spur, encourage and drive interest in other youths. More so, the private sector and government focus cum support in youth participation. So keep a date with this page next week.

THIS WAS FIRST PUBLISHED AS A CONTRIBUTION FROM ME IN THE NIGERIAN TRIBUNE OF JUNE 12 2012.

WAYS NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES CAN OPTIMIZE THE STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORKING EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) PROGRAM TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (ARD).

Today, I watched as students in their fourth year in my university (Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria) picked up their log book for the six month SIWES program. This is generated some thoughts in my head as it relates to the development and sustainability of agriculture among young people especially those studying courses related to agriculture.

The Student Industrial Working Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in 1973 to solve the problem of adequate practical skill, preparatory for employment in industries by Nigerian Undergraduate and Diploma students of tertiary institutions. The scheme was designed for duration of six months for university undergraduates. During this period, every student is expected to acquire all necessary practical skill and orientation, as well as technical knowledge needed to adequately develop national man-power and human resources.

Based on these facts, I proffer the following suggestion to boost Agricultural Research and Development:

1.      Partnership With the Government: The universities can partner with the government by having an agreement with them that they would accept a certain number of students to intern with the Ministries of Agriculture, Ministries of Environment and Agricultural Research Bodies owned by the government. This would afford the students the opportunity to learn new things, practice what they have learnt over the years and get exposure. They could also engage in ongoing projects and be of help to the facilitators.

2.      Full Usage of University Farms and Research Centre: Oftentimes, universities have farms, the university could expand these farms and take in some students to work during the SIWES program. The farm can initiate various mini-project and research works under proper supervision that would engage the students, thus promoting skill acquisition and capacity building in ARD.

3.      Partnership with Privately Owned Agro-based Industry: Most times, student battle with getting placement in companies and industries to carry out their internship. Some even spend as much as three to four months out of the six months before getting a placement. Another set of students, even go ahead to work in places having little or no relation to their course of study. Considering these fact, the university can partner with industries and farms privately owned to take in the student during the SIWES program as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

4.      Payment of Monthly Stipend: In Nigeria, a stipend of about 100Dollars (15,000 Naira) is paid after the entire six months. Sadly, for the past four years it has not even been paid. Arrangement should be made to make sure it is paid and can also be reviewed that something is paid monthly rather than at the end of the whole program.

5.      Proper Documentation of Activities: The Universities should take in proper and well detailed reports of the student’s activities during the SIWES program. Their report can be a base for further research work or re-modeling of existing agricultural practices and research work.

The agricultural Sector in Nigeria can have sustainable development when young men and women coming out of the tertiary institutions have the required skills and knowledge to work with when they leave the four walls of the universities. If these suggestions can be implemented I believe there would be considerable advancement in Agricultural Research and Development.

My SONGHIA EXPERIENCE

In September 2010, I learnt about the Songhai Centre from my father who had read about the center in the daily newspaper. I then went online on the internet to read more about the center. I was impressed and the BIOGAS section caught my attention.I wrote the organization via email to know what was required. The reply I got was not encouraging as I was told there were no spaces for international trainees since I was coming from Nigeria to Benin Republic and at that time the center was training over 80 youth from Benin Republic for 18 months. Well, I persisted and in January 2011, I wrote again and this time there was space to take me in. I got all the requirement and fees ready and on April 12, 2011 I was on my way to the center. There was no time for relaxation as 13^th April I started training this time not just biogas but a whole lot.

            The first impression was that I would be in a shirt with a tie and maybe a suit. It didn’t take long before I knew that was not the case. I had come to a 22 hectare demonstration farm where you learn by doing the work 24/7 be it rain or sunshine.A school of hard rocks.  A place you learn only by doing it with your own hand.

            The SONGHAI Centre for Training, Production,Research and Development of Sustainable Agriculture Port- Novo Benin Republic has an Integrated Farming System in Operation and thus an all round practical knowledge of agriculture was what I acquired.  Be it aquaculture, poultry, feed mill production, renewable energy , Crop production and Irrigation , agro-processing and farm structures.

            I can never forget my first few days in crop production where I had to go back to the basic which was the use of hole, cutlass and watering cans. It was strange and seems like punishments. However over time it became a norm and easier and easier it became.

            Agriculture in Nigeria and Africa has been neglected in the past years and I advocate that it is time for change. It time for Youth to invest passionately in agriculture. If each Youth is a producer of an agricultural product be it food crops, animals, poultry, rabbit s, grass cutter etc. it would go a long way to contribute to the food basket of our continent. We would also not only be generating revenues for ourselves but we would be touching lives and making impact on generations to come.

            Through focus, skill acquisition, hard work, discipline, commitment and continuity which are the backbone of the Songhai Centre. Youth too can cultivate this spirit and serve as a driving force for agriculture in Africa.