President Tinubu has allocated 30 billion Naira to facilitate the empowerment of 1,500,000 young people in each of the 36 states as entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. – Abayomi Odunowo.
Now more than ever, we have the capability to produce enough food to reduce food scarcity and at the same time create 1.5 million Agripreneurs. Nigerian Governors have been provided with the opportunity by the president to massively invest in Agriculture and youth entrepreneurship. One model that looks interesting and can be implemented is to take a state with 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and have each LGA cultivate 2500 hectares of agricultural land, comprising of various crops such as Rice, Maize, Beans, Sorghum, Millet, and Cassava, depending on their comparative advantage.
The proposal is to have each hectare managed by three Agripreneurs, with the initial funding provided by the government. This cost would then be deducted when the Agripreneurs sell their harvested products back to the government. This process is expected to take place over a period of four months, and each of the 2500 Agripreneurs would be paid a monthly allowance of N80,000.00 for their management of one hectare. The process is continued every month thereafter, with a continuous cycle of planting and harvesting. At the end of each harvest, all input costs are deducted from the sale price, and the balance is shared equally amongst the Agripreneurs.
This model presents a unique opportunity to not only address food scarcity but also to create a large number of Agripreneurs. By empowering young people to take charge of agricultural land and manage the cultivation and harvesting process, we are not only addressing the issue of food scarcity but also creating a new generation of entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
By investing in agriculture and youth entrepreneurship, Nigerian Governors can create a sustainable and scalable model that has the potential to transform agriculture in the country. With the right support and investment, this model can be replicated across different states, further increasing agricultural productivity and creating employment opportunities for young people.
In addition to addressing food scarcity and creating Agripreneurs, this model also has the potential to boost the local economy. By empowering young people to take charge of agricultural land and engage in productive farming activities, we are not only increasing food production but also generating income and creating economic opportunities at the local level. This can have a ripple effect, leading to the growth and development of rural communities and the overall improvement of the agricultural sector in Nigeria.
Furthermore, by providing the necessary support and training, Agripreneurs can become leaders in sustainable agricultural practices. They can be educated on modern farming techniques, the efficient use of resources, and the adoption of innovative technologies to improve agricultural productivity. This not only benefits the Agripreneurs themselves but also contributes to the overall improvement of the agricultural sector, leading to increased food production and overall economic development.
Overall, the opportunity to produce enough food to reduce food scarcity and create 1.5 million Agripreneurs is one that cannot be overlooked. With the right investment and support from Nigerian Governors, the potential for transforming agriculture and creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people is immense. By empowering Agripreneurs and investing in the agricultural sector, we can address food scarcity, create economic opportunities, and drive the overall development of the country. It is a model that holds great promise and has the potential to have a lasting impact on the agricultural sector in Nigeria.
In four months, the establishment of 1,500,000 youths as Agripreneurs would lead to a significant increase in food production. These young individuals would be equipped with the skills and resources necessary to cultivate and harvest a massive amount of food, which would then be sold directly to the market with a subsidy. This subsidization would ultimately lower the cost of food, making it more accessible to the general population.
Though this process may take between four to six months to yield its desired effect, the immediate impact on the cost of food would be a welcome relief in the face of current hardships. Proper management of the challenges presently faced, such as logistical and supply chain issues, would need to be in place before the desired outcomes could be achieved. However, once this milestone is reached, the problems that are currently plaguing the agricultural and food industries would begin to dissipate.
By empowering a large number of young people to become Agripreneurs and increasing the overall production of food, the country would be addressing issues of unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity. This ambitious project would not only benefit the nation’s economy, but would also greatly improve the welfare and quality of life for its citizens.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
22nd February, 2024.