HortiNigeria

Context and Project Objective

Nigeria is currently unable to meet the local market demand for vegetables, with an estimated supply gap of 13 million metric tons for just three major crops: tomatoes, onions, and okra.

The HortiNigeria project will facilitate the development of a sustainable and gender- and youth-inclusive horticulture sector that contributes to food and nutritional security in Nigeria. The project will enhance the social capital and economic empowerment of smallholder farmers and value chain actors, with a particular focus on women and youth; incentivize value chains; and support the sustainable integration of entrepreneurial farmers into profitable markets. HortiNigeria will foster change through scaling proven eco-efficient production techniques for sustainable intensification, deepening value chain relationships and performance, and promoting innovation in the agricultural sector.

Expected Outcomes

• 60,000 farmers (40% women and 50% youth) trained and supported to produce more and better vegetables, resulting in a total annual increase of €9.7 million (US$10.5 million) in farmer net income
• 15,000 hectares of farmland brought under sustainable production practices
• 2,000 entrepreneurial farmers with new knowledge or new adopted agricultural techniques and technologies
• 50 horticulture-related small/medium enterprises with a business and investment plan to invest, trade, or provide services

Project Partners

Funding partner: Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria

Implementing partners: HortiNigeria is implemented through a consortium led by IFDC that includes East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, Wageningen University & Research, and KIT Royal Tropical Institute.

Project Period

31 October 2021 – 31 October 2025

Location

Nigeria: Kano, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo states