In the heart of Nigeria’s capital, a pivotal gathering unfolded at Fraser Suites Abuja on the 7th of October 2022. The event marked a significant stride in the journey towards revolutionising the agricultural landscape of the nation. The Nigerian Agricultural Mechanization and Equipment Leasing Company (NAMEL) convened a meeting that brought together the brightest minds and the most influential entities in the agricultural sector. This meeting was not just a routine conference; it was the birthplace of a groundbreaking initiative – the Rural Agricultural Development Consortium (RAD-C).
The Challenge at Hand:
The agricultural sector in Nigeria has long been grappling with the challenge of low productivity, particularly among smallholder farmers. With a burgeoning population, the need to address this issue has never been more urgent. The factors contributing to this predicament include outdated farming practices, a fragmented supply chain, and a lack of access to quality inputs and financing. These challenges pose a dire threat to food security, employment, rural development, and the national economy.
RAD-C: A Beacon of Hope:
In response to this critical situation, NAMEL, with its extensive experience in agricultural mechanisation and value chain services, spearheaded the creation of RAD-C. This consortium is a synergistic alliance aimed at integrating services across the agricultural production value chain to enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers.
The Sensitization Meeting:
The sensitization meeting at Fraser Suites was a meticulously planned event designed to align the consortium partners and stakeholders with the vision and objectives of RAD-C. The assembly was graced by the presence of seventy-five distinguished participants, representing a broad spectrum of the agricultural sector, including fertiliser and equipment suppliers, off-taking companies, and technical partners such as USAID, AFDB, IITA, CBN, and Agro-Africa.
Keynote Insights and Resolutions:
Barr. Richard-Mark Mbaram of Agro-Africa Limited adeptly anchored the meeting, setting the stage for the keynote address by Dr. Ahmed Adekunle, CEO of NAMEL and the convener of the event. The meeting was further enriched by goodwill messages from esteemed figures such as Prof. Oyebanji Olelaran Oyeyinka and Dr. Martins Fregene from AFDB, among others.
The presentations delved into the RAD-C business model and the innovative approach to high-precision mechanisation. The discussions culminated in a series of resolutions that cemented the commitment of the consortium partners and stakeholders. Notably, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the consortium partners marked the official launch of the RAD-C programme.
Representatives of the following organizations and major Agricultural stakeholders were also recognized:
- 3D Hitech Systems
- Ministry of Agriculture
- TATA John Deere
- USAID
- OCP Morroco
- NACONTAN
- Harvest field
- IITA
- Indorama
- AfDB
- Tak
- CBN
- AFEX
- AgroAFrica
- Pula Insurance
- Nigerian AgriculturaL Awards Council
The Road Ahead:
The pilot phase of RAD-C is set to commence in seven states, focusing on five key crops. This strategic selection is aligned with the mandates of the CNFA Agric Business Investment Activity. The AFDB’s affirmation of the RAD-C model as congruent with its mission to eradicate hunger and poverty underscores the programme’s potential impact.
An Invitation to Collaborate:
The consortium remains open to partnerships with qualified private-sector players in the agricultural value chain. This collaborative spirit is a testament to the inclusive approach of RAD-C, inviting innovation and investment to propel the programme forward.
Conclusion:
The stakeholder and sensitisation meeting, coupled with the unveiling of RAD-C, represents a watershed moment for Nigerian agriculture. It is a step towards a future where smallholder farmers thrive, where food security is a reality, and where the agricultural sector becomes a cornerstone of the national economy. The journey has begun, and the seeds of change have been sown. Now, it is time to nurture them into a bountiful harvest that will feed not just a nation but also the hope for a prosperous future.