HortiNigeria, a Dutch-funded programme has unveiled its latest partnership with Greenport Nigeria aimed at redefining Nigeria’s horticultural sector.
The collaboration is designed to spearhead technical cooperation, offering farmers comprehensive training, market linkages, access to finance, sustainable renewable energy solutions, and policy advocacy support where needed.
It is focused on bringing food supply from the farms in the North to markets in heavily populated urban centres in Nigeria.
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Both organisations recently signed the memorandum of understanding at the Dutch Consulate in Lagos.
Mohammed Salasi Idris, programme director for HortiNigeria said, “This alliance with Greenport marks a significant leap forward for the horticulture sector.”
“Through the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to unlock the immense potential of the several value chain actors steering them towards a future of better livelihoods,” Idris noted.
Also, Richard Ogundele, executive chairman at Greenport Nigeria expressed high hopes for the partnership of the
two companies.
“When reflecting on our partnership with HortiNigeria, two key aspects stand out for us at Greenport Nigeria: facilitating the formation of a platform for greenhouse business operators in Nigeria to network, collaborate and improve access to technology and innovation, quality inputs and better efficiency at the utilisation of scarce resources.”
He added, “While we at Greenport Nigeria provide quality technical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills required to make their greenhouse farming businesses better organised, more profitable, adding value, and creating more jobs to improve livelihoods.”
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Greenport, through this alliance, will facilitate capacity-building efforts and upscaling of innovative practices among established hubs of entrepreneurial farmers.
Ogindele said that his organisation’s partnership with HortiNigeria will achieve results that would directly speak to
SDG goals 1,2, 3 and 8, and will provide an immediate impact in Nigeria’s horticultural sector.
Anticipated outcomes include a marked increase in crop yields, reduction in environmental footprint, and a boost in agricultural practice efficiency and market reach.
Also, Geoffrey van Leeuwen, Dutch minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, emphasised the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding in introducing innovative
solutions that would aid agribusinesses.
“Together, we aim to secure a future characterised by healthy food options, healthy agribusiness opportunities and healthy investment prospects. Bringing food from the farms to
the markets in densely populated urban regions.
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“The private sector from the Netherlands is eager to provide solutions to improve the food system in Nigeria,” Leeuwen said.
HortiNigeria aims to contribute to small farmers’ social capital and contribute to their empowerment within the market.
