With the theme “Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Creating Sustainable Strategies and Pathways for Smallholder Farmers in the Agrifood System,” Agribusiness Dialogue Session, a biennial initiative of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation represents a significant opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of smallholder farmers in the agricultural sector in the country.
The Agribusiness Dialogue Session is targeted at reviewing government and private sector strategies aimed at enhancing the prospects of smallholder farmers and their families and fostering a sustainable future. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has successfully hosted similar events in 2017, 2019, and 2021. The 2023 edition was hosted in partnership with Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Lagos Business School and was meant to build on the success of the 2019 collaboration.
This year’s Agribusiness Dialogue Session is particularly timely, as it seeks to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, transforming them into opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity within the agrifood system. To drive the discussion and reach an actionable resolution, the event featured expert-driven plenary sessions, a keynote address, insightful breakout sessions, and a dynamic fireside chat.
Speaking at the event, Ololade Johnson-Agiri, Executive Director, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) stated that since the inception of the Foundation in 2002, the Foundation has remained committed on sustainable agriculture development and the improvement of livelihoods of smallholder farmers, their families, and communities.
“In her words: “Since the establishment of the BATN Foundation in 2002, we have been working determinedly to empower smallholder farmers through a range of programmess and initiatives. We believe that smallholder farmers are the key to unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potential and ensuring food security for future generations.”
Professor Olusola Kehinde, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in a keynote address commended BATN Foundation for focusing on helping smallholder farmers in Nigeria succeed while also acknowledging the challenges that must be addressed in order to achieve sustainable agriculture.
Professor Kehinde further said, “The expectation is that this dialogue will proffer a more robust and adaptable strategy that would be deployed to sufficiently address the challenges facing smallholder farmers in the nation, and unlock their potential to contribute to economic growth within the agri-food system and beyond”.
The event featured a Fireside Chat, moderated by Dr. Olawale Anifowose, EDC, Pan-Atlantic University, with the theme “Smallholder Farmers and the Path to Sustainable Agriculture.” This engaging session delved into the challenges and opportunities faced by smallholder farmers in their pursuit of sustainable agriculture. Additionally, two breakout sessions and a Plenary session gathered prominent experts in the agricultural sector.
The first breakout session centered on “The Power of Collaboration: Climate Change and Agrifood System Partnership,” providing participants with a platform for dynamic discussions about the role of collaboration in addressing climate change and enhancing agrifood systems. Olaoluwa Bamigboye, Founder of Heirs and Heralds International, skillfully chaired and moderated this session.
The second breakout session, “Empowering Youths: Tech-Driven Agricultural Opportunities,” explored the myriad opportunities for youth in technology-driven agriculture. Oyin Asaju, Managing Partner of Farm Republic, displayed her expertise as the chair and moderator, guiding insightful discussions on this critical topic.
