Olam Agri has teamed up with IDH and Nigerian agricultural development company Arzikin Noma to enhance soybean production in Kwara State.
The collaboration aims to unlock the potential of 5,000 smallholder farmers—especially women and youth—through a comprehensive support programme.
According to a statement released on Friday, the initiative focuses on empowering farmers with access to credit, mechanisation, training in sustainable practices, financial services, and market linkages.
The programme is part of a broader strategy to develop the region’s agriculture sector and will support Olam Agri’s new 350,000 MT soybean processing facility in Kwara, which sources primarily from local growers.
Soybeans are a critical crop for food and agricultural sustainability, valued for their high protein and oil content.
They serve as key ingredients in food production, livestock feed, and industrial products.
Commenting on the partnership, Eniola Fabusoro, Country Director at IDH, said:
“We are thrilled to join forces with Olam Agri and Arzikin Noma to improve productivity across the soybean value chain in Kwara.
This initiative bridges the gap between large corporates and smallholder farmers. By combining our collective expertise and networks, we aim to create a supply chain that delivers real impact for farmers and long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Adeoluwa Adeshola, Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, added:
“Our focus remains on food security and sustainable agriculture. This collaboration will enhance both the quality and volume of soybeans produced locally, and we are proud to contribute to this growth.”
Shailendra Mishra, Global Sustainability Head for Grains, Oilseeds, Feed & Freight at Olam Agri, noted:
“This partnership marks a milestone in creating a more sustainable and inclusive soybean value chain in Nigeria. It serves as a model for how regenerative agriculture can revive soil health, uplift communities, and drive economic growth. We’re committed to scaling this effort to benefit even more farmers.”
Mustafa Turra, Vice President and Soybean Project Head at Olam Agri, emphasised the economic and social impact:
“This initiative fosters economic empowerment and resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. As the off-taker of locally grown soybeans, we’re providing farmers with consistent, transparent, and rewarding market access.”
This new initiative builds upon Olam Agri’s existing Seeds for the Future programme, which has supported farmer communities since 2021, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
