The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has introduced a new digital Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) platform to oversee its N19.5 billion AgGrow Farm Support Programme, aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector.
Launched in Abuja on Tuesday, the initiative will provide vital subsidies of up to 50% on farming inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products (CPPs) to 50,000 smallholder farmers. These beneficiaries, operating within the maize, rice, cassava, and soybeans value chains, will come from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
At the event, NADF’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the platform as a revolutionary tool for agriculture.
“This platform will allow us to track every seed, every input, and every naira invested, from distribution to utilization. This ensures we are not only monitoring but learning, refining, and delivering on national priorities,” he explained.
One of the most notable aspects of the AgGrow scheme is its direct connection between farmers and processors through structured outgrower arrangements. The programme will cover all input costs, with processors repaying half of the value after harvest.
This model is designed to streamline the relationship between farmers and agro-processors, reducing the influence of middlemen and improving the sourcing of raw materials for the processing industry.
Ibrahim further stressed the platform’s role in ensuring transparency and operational efficiency.
“We’ve created a robust framework and software to enhance the quality of our M&E process. Complete supervision is critical to our success as a Fund,” he stated.
Under the new initiative, all participating farmers must be registered through their Bank Verification Number (BVN) or National Identity Number (NIN), and their farms will undergo biometric verification and geo-tagging. Weekly progress reports, third-party audits, and strict compliance regulations will ensure that the inputs are effectively utilized and the outcomes rigorously tracked.
“We are committed to improving farmers’ productivity, helping them achieve higher yields and greater profits,” Ibrahim noted, also highlighting that the platform will provide ongoing advisory services and training on best agricultural practices.
In a stern message, Ibrahim warned that any consultants found lacking in efficiency or integrity would be removed from the programme.
“We are committed to rooting out fraud and dishonesty. We urge all partners to work with honesty, integrity, and diligence to ensure lasting change,” he added.
In line with the programme’s inclusive design, 40% of the beneficiaries will be women, while 20% will be youth.
Additionally, crop insurance will be provided to protect farmers against the impact of climate-related risks.
Olusola Omole, a representative of the M&E partners, expressed optimism about the new system.
“This is a historic moment, as M&E vendors come together to align on targets and expectations. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian agriculture,” he said.
Adewale Adegoke, CEO of AgroXchange Technology Services, praised NADF’s commitment to using data-driven approaches to improve food security.
“By adopting advanced intelligence and satellite technology, NADF is ensuring that every step of the input distribution is tracked and its impact is measurable. This will have a transformative effect on farmers, potentially tripling their incomes post-harvest,” he said.
