Youth farmers empowered to upscale businesses

In support of the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Lagos State, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN Foundation) in partnership with the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) has donated 20 fifty-kilogramme smoking kilns to beneficiary youth farmers and agribusinesses.

In a statement, BATN Foundation disclosed that this was the enabled weeks of intensive capacity building and establishment of four demonstration sites for practical training for over 200 beneficiaries cutting across agricultural zones (Agege, Ojo, Ikorodu and Ibeju-Lekki) in Lagos State. 

It said this initiative was programmed to enhance the productivity of the farmers and equip them to successfully overcome the challenges prevalent in the aquaculture industry. 

Elizabeth Tagbenu, a beneficiary of the initiative, stated that participating in the training has provided her with her new knowledge and real-life scenarios to increase her output. 

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She also mentioned how the smoking kiln donation would help her business and boost her productivity.

Another beneficiary, Abdullateef Adekunle, expressed heart-felt gratitude to the BATN Foundation for providing him with the smoking kiln saying this invaluable support would not only enhance his business but would also open new avenues for growth. 

“With this equipment, I can now process and preserve my fish more efficiently, ensuring better market opportunities and increased income for my family,” he said.

The partnership which commenced in 2018 aims at building the capacity of fish farmers under the Fingerlings to Fork Project and the donation of smoking kilns is part of the foundation’s effort to prevent post-harvest loss and support the socio-economic development of smallholder farmers in the state.  

The General Manager of BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, in his remark said the foundation’s long-standing assistance to farmers has revealed the importance of not only imparting optimal agricultural practices for enhanced fish production but also ensuring market access and empowering them to enhance the value of their commodities.

 “In our long-term work to support farmers, we have seen that beyond simply imparting best practices for enhancing fish yield, it is critical to give them market access and give them the tools they need to add value to their product and withstand fluctuations in prices,” he said.

Lagos State’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Ms Ruth Abisola Olusanya, who was represented by Aramide Gansallo, Director, Agribusiness, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, encouraged the fish farmers benefiting from the initiative to maximise this opportunity for successful fish processing in the state.