The BAT Foundation has reaffirmed its dedication to uplifting smallholder farmers and enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
At the 2025 Agribusiness Dialogue Session, the foundation championed the adoption of innovative financing approaches, supportive policy frameworks, and improved market access to unlock the full potential of smallholder farmers.
Since its inception in 2015, this biennial Dialogue Session has emerged as a pivotal forum in Nigeria, influencing policy development, fostering innovation, and uniting key players within the agrifood sector. The 2025 event in Lagos revolved around the theme: “Is the Smallholder Farmer Truly Financeable?”
Smallholder farmers, who account for over 40 million Nigerians and contribute nearly 80% of the nation’s food supply, form the cornerstone of Nigeria’s food security and rural livelihoods. Despite their critical role, they continue to grapple with increasing obstacles, especially as international aid and donor support wane.
Mrs. Halimat Shuaibu, Executive Director of BATNF, highlighted, “Our mission is to ensure smallholder farmers are not only eligible for financing but also resilient, prosperous, and acknowledged as vital contributors to Nigeria’s economic progress. Agriculture must evolve from a mere survival strategy to a key pillar of national wealth creation.”
Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATN Foundation, stressed that the true measure of financial viability is demonstrated through practical application. He urged a shift in perspective, viewing smallholder farmers as proactive collaborators in Nigeria’s economic development rather than passive aid recipients.
“Discussions about smallholder farmers have too often focused on their challenges instead of their potential. At BATNF, we understand that finance is only one element. Genuine empowerment arises when funding is integrated with education, innovation, and access to markets. Our goal is to bridge these gaps so that smallholder farmers are recognised as the driving force behind Nigeria’s agribusiness sector, not as dependents,” Odusanya explained.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Ademola Adenle, Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, challenged the misconception that smallholder farmers primarily seek grants.
He underscored the importance of creative financing mechanisms supported by reliable farmer data and transparent processes.
“Investing in smallholder farmers is not an act of charity; it is one of the most strategic investments we can make today. Agriculture remains the most dependable engine for job creation, innovation, and resilience,” Prof. Adenle stated.
Continuing its commitment to youth engagement in agriculture, BATNF used the Dialogue to honour the winners of the 2025 Farmers for the Future (F4F) competition. The top prize of N3 million was awarded to Mr. Daniel Jacob of Aretecom Limited. Second-place recipients, Ms. Emmanuel Mary of Zibah Foods and Mr. Akinloye John of Geentead Farm NG, each received N2 million. Third-place winners-Mr. Ikhahon Robinson (Heabron Farm Ltd), Ms. Adetuberu Sikeade (Lycos Nutrients Enterprises), and Mr. Haruna Godwin (Yaroson Agro Business)-were granted N1 million apiece.
Since its founding in 2002, the BATN Foundation has implemented over 350 community development initiatives nationwide, promoting modern farming techniques and providing financial resources that enable farmers to transition from subsistence agriculture to commercial enterprises.
