Joint action has been identified as crucial to achieving sustainable and inclusive food security.
This was the focal point at the media dialogue organized by Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship (2SCALE) and the Dutch Consulate in Nigera at Radisson Blu Hotel,Ikeja, Lagos, on role of inclusive agribusiness in transforming food systems.
The forum, which is a handover programme highlighted the role of inclusive agribusiness in transforming food systems, and how national actors can carry this vision forward.The programme attracted key stakeholders in the agriculture sector in Nigeria , including and not limited to the Commissioners of Agriculture from Ondo and States , Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, successful Agripreneurs,and Media Executives from print and electronic
The Program Director, 2SCALE – Ms. Marina Diboma,in her address explained that the event was designed to strengthen collaboration with the media for sustainable impact , sustain inclusive agribusiness , advance food security, local markets, and opportunities.
Ms Diboma charged Food Soldiers to adapt to new realities and create a future where food security is a reality for all.Food Soldiers” are the champions in the ongoing fight for food security, and their efforts are vital in fostering resilience and sustainability within our communities.
The programme highlighted the transition of tools, knowledge, and ownership of the 2SCALE approach to Nigerian actors, while agripreneurs and SMEs shared their inspiring stories .
She listed some of the challenges faced faced to include : climate change, political instability, insecurity,and COVID-19.
Part of the challenges is the supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine war, but assured that everyone stayed committed to feeding the local communities in their countries.
“These challenges have provided us with invaluable lessons that have strengthened and improved our intervention strategies. As a program, we had to adapt to new realities and refine how we collaborate on the ground. This is the reality we face to ensure that millions of people have access to nutritious and affordable food products.”
“In this final year of 2SCALE, our focus is now firmly on ensuring sustainability and continuity beyond 2024. Our handover efforts in Nigeria and across partner countries are centred on five key priorities:
Strengthening local ownership: Working closely with national actors government agencies, local agribusinesses, private sector, and inclusive agribusiness clubs to equip them with the relevant knowledge and skills to continue driving inclusive agribusiness.”
“Sharing practical toolkits, case studies, and digital resources with stakeholders so that inclusive agribusiness development becomes embedded in policy, education, and business practices.
“Knowledge exchange and legacy building: Through documentation, storytelling, and knowledge-sharing events like this one, we aim to inspire replication and scaling by others.
Dekivering his speech entitled A public-private dialogue towards building resilience in inclusive business models for sustainable food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Consular General , Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos – Michel Deleen expressed to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2SCALE Consortium (IFDC, Bopinc, SNV), and 59 PPPs across 10 African countries
He explained that the first phase of the 2 Scale program spanned between (2012-2018) while the second phase was between (2019-2024) .Over 804,000 smallholder farmers engaged; 47% women, 53% youth
He disclosed that 2SCALE consortium mobilized €50 million public funds, matched by €60 million+ private sector co-investment, €58.5 million in credit .
452+ Agribusiness Clubs (ABCs) formed and strengthened, focusing on local solutions—not expert impositions..
1.4 million low-income base of the pyramid (BoP) consumers accessed affordable, nutritious foods—achieved via 39 PPPs.
He added that over 12,000 new jobs created (planned: 3,750); 35+ inclusive green innovations delivered.
The Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin who appauded the impactful success stories shared at the programme, promised continued support and partnership with 2 scale.
He said the bank will expand financial services to rural areas, targeting youthful farming populations and promoting agricultural development.
Sotinrin urged large-scale farmers to partner with BOA, citing plans for recapitalisation and enhanced support.
“Financial inclusion is one thing we talked about a lot. We are bringing everyone into the finance net. We will go to the hinterlands where we have a lot of youthful populations of farmers and bring them into banking with us. We are also encouraging large-scale farmers to look towards the Bank of Agriculture because we are going to recapitalise.
Some agriprenures who spoke at the event urged government and other agro centric organisations and institutions to always patronize them whenever they are looking for genuine farmers in Nigeria who needed support.