
NADF Launches Innovative Digital Platform for AgGrow Farm Support Programme
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has officially unveiled a groundbreaking digital Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) platform to facilitate the implementation of its ₦19.5 billion AgGrow Farm Support Programme. This initiative aims to assist smallholder farmers throughout Nigeria by providing vital agricultural inputs while establishing direct connections to agricultural processors.
Addressing Agricultural Financing Challenges
Established under the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) Act 2022 (Act No. 34, 2022), NADF was created by the Federal Government to tackle the ongoing challenges related to agricultural financing and to enhance Nigeria's food systems. The AgGrow programme represents one of its most ambitious efforts, with the goal of reaching 50,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
]Farmers involved in the AgGrow scheme, particularly those in the maize, rice, cassava, and soybean value chains, will benefit from:
- A 50% subsidy on seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products (CPPs).
- Complete financing of inputs, with processors required to repay only 50% after harvest.
This structure allows smallholder farmers to increase production without the heavy financial burden of input costs while providing processors with direct access to quality produce, eliminating costly middlemen.
Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency
To ensure the program's effectiveness and transparency, NADF has introduced a digital Monitoring and Evaluation platform that will track:
- The distribution and on-farm usage of every seed and input.
- All financial investments in the scheme.
- Real-time results to enhance support and improve agricultural outcomes.
Participating farmers will be registered using their Bank Verification Number (BVN) or National Identity Number, geo-tagged, and biometrically verified. They will also be subject to weekly reporting, third-party audits, and rigorous monitoring to prevent misuse. This data-driven strategy is designed to promote accountability and bolster the program's credibility among stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
Promoting Inclusivity in Agriculture
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the AgGrow program. Of the 50,000 farmers expected to participate, 40% will be women, and 20% will be youth. This emphasis on gender and youth involvement aligns with broader national goals for inclusive growth, job creation, and empowerment in rural communities.
AgGrow operates through structured outgrower arrangements, connecting farmers directly with agro-processors. By eliminating middlemen, the program aims to:
- Enhance market access for farmers.
- Minimize post-harvest losses.
- Strengthen local sourcing of raw materials for Nigeria’s expanding agro-processing sector.
Processors will benefit from a reliable supply of raw materials, further contributing to food security and industrial productivity.
*How to Get Involved*
Smallholder farmers interested in accessing support from the AgGrow programme can obtain inputs through pre-qualified agro-processors.
The AgGrow initiative marks a significant advancement in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. For farmers, agripreneurs, agro-processors, and stakeholders across Africa observing Nigeria’s agricultural reforms, this program exemplifies how targeted support and innovative technology can foster inclusive and sustainable growth within the food sector.