Core area “Transformation of agricultural and food systems” Modernising the agricultural sector, creating jobs, providing food security

Show image information

Green Innovation Centre Nigeria: Workshop where trainers learn, among other things, how far apart maize plants should be for optimal thriving.

With funding from Germany's Special Initiative “Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems”, a Green Innovation Centre has been set up. It advises smallholders on modern production methods (seeds, fertiliser, tillage, storage). In addition, farmer business schools give them a chance to improve their business skills. Over 250,000 farmers have already taken part in training, which has enabled them to increase their incomes significantly in a number of cases. Processing crops locally is opening up new income opportunities. It also reduces the carbon footprint of the entire value chain.

Funding from the Special Initiative is also being used for a project to improve farmers' access to the financial system. Both farmers and local financial institutions are receiving training and information material. Topics covered include financial literacy, financing of value chains, and the development of profitable business models. This improves farmers' financial skills, enabling them to run their farms in a more market-oriented way and get access to financial and insurance products that meet their needs.

As part of Financial Cooperation, Germany is supporting an agricultural fund for small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas, which is contributing to food security. In addition, KfW Development Bank is supporting Babban Gona, a social enterprise that supports smallholders through seeds, knowledge and financial services. Babban Gona especially targets women.