In an effort to strengthen the global sesame supply chain, Olam Agri has entered into a partnership with Kadoya Sesame Mills Inc., the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and MC Agri Alliance to empower local farmers through better access to training, modern farming equipment, and sustainable agricultural practices.
The agreement was finalized at the recent TICAD 9 summit in Yokohama, Japan.
According to a statement on Olam Agri’s website, the collaboration aims to assist smallholder farmers in Nigeria by providing support that will boost productivity, enhance product quality, and promote environmental sustainability in sesame farming.
The four organizations will work together to create a more resilient and higher-quality sesame supply chain that benefits both consumers and food producers worldwide.
“The initiative will focus on empowering farmers through access to training, mechanization, and sustainable practices, while strengthening market linkages that improve both livelihoods and long-term resilience.
“This commitment is especially significant given the market context. Japan relies almost entirely on imported sesame, and Nigeria has long been its largest exporter.
“Yet local production faces challenges from climate variability and regional instability, even as global demand for sesame oil continues to rise,” the statement read in part
Part of the strategy laid out in the partnership is to address these challenges by improving processing standards and offering direct support to farmers.
