The British American Tobacco Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture has empowered over 1,000 farmers in Ogun State through its Maize Empowerment Project.
The project aimed to equip maize farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability within the maize value chain.
However, BATNF since its establishment in 2002, has been dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers in crop production, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability. By partnering with government agencies like the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, BATNF implements tailored programs to address the distinct needs of farmers and rural communities across Nigeria.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Bolu Owotomo, highlighted the project’s focus on promoting food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods. Through the Maize Empowerment project, 1,000 farmers were trained in best agricultural practices, with 500 receiving farm inputs and pesticides for the planting season.
On his part, the General Manager, BATNF, Oludare Odusanya, emphasized the collaborative effort’s aim to enhance the capabilities of maize farmers in the state.
The project focuses on empowering women and youth, fostering innovation, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating access to profitable markets within the maize value chain.
BATNF has invested over N4bn to support rural smallholder farmers, impacting over 1.7 million beneficiaries nationwide since 2002.
However, the Maize Empowerment project addresses critical challenges in the maize value chain, including low crop yields, limited access to improved seeds and fertilizers, inefficient pest and disease management, poor post-harvest handling, and lack of access to profitable markets.