In a bid to promote innovative and technology-driven agri-centric enterprises in Nigeria, Heifer International, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is poised to commit a $40, 000-dollar grant to youths and women to engage in the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria.
This development was announced by Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director (Interim), Heifer International at the unveiling of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria, an initiative of the organisation in Abuja.
Tobe described the challenge as an enterprise development programme to identify, nurture and support innovative, relevant and technology-driven agri-centric enterprises to grow, scale and thrive.
According to him, the gesture will go a long way in addressing food insecurity in the country.
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He said the challenge would identify outstanding young agritech innovators, assisting in the formation of strong partnerships for increased visibility, growth and improvement in smallholder farmers’ productivity.
“If we are going to transform agriculture and the food system in Nigeria and Africa at large, then we have to look at Youth and technology because youths will not do agriculture without technology and innovation.
“The acronym, AYuTe means Agriculture Youths and Technology; we have women in that midst because women make up 50 per cent of our population.
“If we neglect those two demographics (youths and women), then we are not ready for agricultural transformation and food security in our country.
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While urging eligible agripreneurs to apply and be part of the challenge, he explained that the project would empower them with innovative solutions to impact significantly on smallholder farmers.
“We are deepening our commitment to supporting agritech innovation and youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
“We believe that this challenge will not only empower young entrepreneurs but also contribute to the transformation of the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,” he said.
On his part, Mustapha Abokede, Venture Lead, Wennovation, an implementing partner of the challenge, encouraged women to participate in the challenge towards accelerating agritech entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
