Herein this a The Rise of Agripreneurship in Niger article, we discussed Why Youth Matter in Agriculture, Challenges Facing Youth in Agriculture, Success Stories that Inspire, What Needs to Happen Next.
Agriculture has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, employing nearly 35% of the workforce and contributing significantly to GDP. Yet, despite its vast potential, the sector is often overlooked by Nigerian youth, who are more drawn to white-collar jobs or urban lifestyles. But a new wave of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship is changing this narrative—and it’s time to spotlight the role of youth as the future of Nigerian agriculture.
Why Youth Matter in Agriculture
Nigeria’s population is one of the youngest in the world, with over 70% under the age of 30. This youthful energy represents an untapped resource that could revolutionize agriculture, drive food security, and reduce unemployment. By turning young Nigerians into agripreneurs—entrepreneurs in the agricultural space—we can unlock economic growth and sustainable development.
Challenges Facing Youth in Agriculture
Despite the opportunities, many young Nigerians face barriers to entering the agricultural sector:
. Limited access to land and capital
. Lack of agricultural education or modern skills
. Poor infrastructure and market access
. Perceptions of farming as low-status or outdated
These challenges discourage youth involvement, keeping agriculture largely in the hands of aging rural populations. But this trend is slowly changing.
The Rise of Agripreneurship in Nigeria
The term agripreneur represents a new mindset—fusing innovation, business, and agriculture. From tech-enabled farming to organic food production, agripreneurs are reshaping what it means to work the land.
Key Drivers of Change:
. AgriTech Innovations: Startups are now offering mobile platforms for farm management, weather forecasting, precision farming, and online marketplaces (e.g., Thrive Agric, FarmCrowdy).
. Training & Empowerment Programs: Initiatives like the N-Power Agro Program, the Youth Farm Lab, and various incubators are providing skills and mentorship to young farmers.
. Access to Finance: Microcredit schemes, grants, and government-backed funds (such as the Central Bank’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme) are helping break the capital barrier.
. Social media & Digital Marketing: Youth are leveraging Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to market products, share techniques, and build agricultural brands.
Success Stories that Inspire
. Uka Eje, CEO of Thrive Agric: A digital platform that connects farmers with investors, enabling young farmers to access funds and scale operations.
. Adetola Adele, Founder of D’GreenFarmer: A youth-led initiative focused on organic vegetable farming, agri-education, and food processing.
. Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, Former CEO of Tony Elumelu Foundation: Through TEF, thousands of young agripreneurs have received seed funding and mentorship.
These individuals are not just feeding the nation—they are transforming communities, creating jobs, and redefining agriculture.
What Needs to Happen Next
To fully unlock the potential of youth in agriculture, stakeholders must act collaboratively:
- Revamp Agricultural Education: Integrate agribusiness and tech into school curricula to build interest early.
- Improve Land and Loan Access: Simplify processes for youth to obtain farmland and financial support.
- Invest in Rural Infrastructure: From roads to internet connectivity, better infrastructure enables efficient farming.
- Promote Agriculture as Cool and Lucrative: Shift the narrative through media, campaigns, and role models that show agriculture as a viable career.
Conclusion
The future of agriculture in Nigeria lies not in the past but in the hands of its youth. With the right tools, training, and support, Nigeria can produce a new generation of farmers—not just planters, but innovators, CEOs, and changemakers