The Enticing Story of a Woman Thriving in the Agricultural Sector
As a child growing up in the eastern region of Nigeria, I worked on the farm with my parents. Often, I felt embarrassed to work on the farm because agriculture in Nigeria is stereotyped as a job for the poor and illiterate. But as I grew older, my parents instilled in me a love for agriculture by showing me the benefits.
As time went by, I developed an interest and started a career in farming. I founded an agriculture company, Amicable Mondiale Farms, based in Lagos, Nigeria. Amicable Mondiale Farms specializes in crop farming, animal husbandry, and the exportation of soybeans, hardwood industrial charcoal, and other products.
In the beginning, it was not easy for me to access support, but I worked harder instead of giving up. I started my business with loans and the little I had saved up. Despite the financial barrier, I was dedicated to my passion and was determined to succeed.
I had the opportunity to participate in the 2020/2021 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) exchange program, and I believe that was the turning point for business. I practically learned all that is helping my business thrive today from the AWE program. Most important was the accounting aspect of my business. We now have a company accounting system that enables me to differentiate the selling products and position [them] before for the market.
I have also created two training programs to help new farmers start agricultural businesses. The first program is called the International Training In Organic Farming Program. This program helps farmers reinvent their passion for agriculture through a guided entrepreneurial trip to the Republic of Benin. During this trip, young farmers are exposed to other seasonal farmers and given opportunities to partner with them. Around 90% of participants decided to start farming due to their positive experience in the program.
The second program is the EAT Right Initiative, which focuses on a zero-waste farming style. The program teaches families to eat healthy foods and take care of their bodies. The training enables women and youths to do small-scale farming in their backyards, with sacks or other household items. The EAT Right Initiative has trained over 1,000 women and youth in rural and urban Nigeria about organic farming, and has set up over 200 farms for trainees.
Special thanks to the U.S. government for contributing to the growth of the Nigerian agricultural sector.
This story was written by Amaka Chukwudum, 2021 AWE Alumna, and was first published in Nigeria’s March 2022 Alumni Newsletter.