By: Julian Osamoto
In a bid to tackle Nigeria’s persistent food insecurity, One Acre Fund Nigeria has commenced the distribution of 9,000 tonnes of agricultural inputs to 88,000 smallholder farmers across key farming states.
The intervention, announced in a statement issued in Abuja by the Communications Lead One Acre Fund Nigeria, Kazi Nanyah, will address long-standing barriers such as poor access to credit and inefficient input distribution systems that continue to limit productivity among rural farmers.
The organisation said the inputs, provided on credit ahead of the 2026 planting season, are being delivered through a phased process expected to be completed by May 31.
According to the statement, the initiative is designed to strengthen national food security by ensuring farmers receive essential inputs on time without relying on exploitative middlemen.
“This major pre-planting initiative directly addresses credit and distribution barriers to boost national food security,” he said.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with rising food prices and declining agricultural productivity, worsened by climate change, insecurity in farming communities, and limited financing options for smallholder farmers who produce the bulk of the nation’s food.
Communications Lead explained that improving access to quality inputs and extension services remains critical to reversing the trend.
According to One Acre Fund, farmers participating in the programme often record significant gains, including nearly doubling maize yields and earning an average income increase of about $328 per household per farming season.
The model combines input financing with agronomic training, advisory services, and digital support delivered directly to farmers at the community level.
A beneficiary, Keziah Danjuma, a 24-year-old maize farmer from Pyatta village in Niger State, said the intervention has reduced production challenges and improved her livelihood.
“Since I started farming with One Acre Fund, I now receive quality seed and fertilizer on credit right here in my village. My maize yield has nearly doubled, and the extra income has allowed me to invest more in my family,” she said.
Beyond productivity, the programme is also promoting inclusion, with women and youth making up over 35 per cent of participants.
The organisation noted that its approach focuses on boosting productivity, strengthening farmers’ resilience through climate-smart practices, and improving market access to ensure better returns.
Since launching operations in Nigeria in 2018, One Acre Fund says it has expanded its reach to over 600,000 farmers across Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states.
It adds that the interventions are vital as Nigeria seeks sustainable solutions to its food crisis, particularly in rural communities where smallholder farmers remain central to agricultural output.
