… Builds a Sustainable, Inclusive Horticulture Sector in FUNAAB
By Emeka Oluka & Femi Dansu
Horti Nigeria has started a collaborative effort in the areas of establishing a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector within the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Spanning four years from 2021 to 2025, the programme is financially supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN).
The project is being executed by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in collaboration with consortium partners such as East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT), Wageningen University and Research (WUR), as well as KIT Royal Tropical Institute.
Prof. Isaac Aiyelaagbe, the Project Facilitator at FUNAAB, articulated the primary objective of Horti Nigeria, saying that it was to foster the growth of a sustainable horticulture sector that is inclusive of gender and youth, contributing significantly to food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
According to him, the goal aligned with both the Dutch and Nigerian food security plans, including private sector development initiatives, as well as the broader transformation of food systems outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Prof. Aiyelaagbe stressed the pressing issue of poverty in Nigeria, stating that 43% of the population lived on less than $1 per day. He added that “1 in 2 individuals in West Africa requiring nutrition assistance is a Nigerian”.
Highlighting the magnitude of the challenge, he observed that over 12 million Nigerians require food security assistance.
Responding to the increased food insecurity resulting from COVID-19 lockdown measures, Prof. Aiyelaagbe underscored Horti Nigeria’s commitment to catalysing positive change. According to him, the programme is aimed at enhancing the productivity of 60,000 smallholder farmers, with a focus on eco-efficient production systems and improved agricultural practices.
He noted that the target areas for impact are Kano and Kaduna states, with an anticipated net income exceeding 9 million euros.
Prof. Aiyelaagbe, however, commended the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde for endorsing the agreement that made Horti Nigeria’s initiatives possible.
He emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, noting that FUNAAB provided the land and the University’s commitment is crucial for the success of the programme.
In terms of logistics, Prof. Aiyelaagbe clarified that Horti Nigeria would not provide direct funding for projects but would supply necessary resources. He highlighted the responsibility of the University in safeguarding equipment from theft, as periodic inspections by the Dutch government are expected.
Prof. Aiyelaagbe expressed gratitude for the Vice-Chancellor’s support, emphasising that Horti Nigeria represents a form of out-of-school learning. He reassured that he would continue to lead until the University was fully equipped to take over, and acknowledged the significance of building capacity for entrepreneurship within FUNAAB.
