The importance of agriculture in the economy cannot be over emphasized. It is one of the major occupations that people in Plateau state and the country at large use in building their careers and generating income.
Agriculture goes beyond just farming. It has evolved into other areas like forestry, beekeeping, fruit cultivation, dairy farming and lots more. It also plays a huge part in sustaining the economy of the country.
Science has become a large component of innovative and quality control in agriculture. Technological advances have begun helping the agricultural sector become more profitable and effective while improving the safety of farmers and making the environment more eco-friendly.
A 2016 World Bank report stated that ‘half of working class Nigerians are into small holder farming’. But this group accounts for about 40% of the poorest population in the country.
Regarding the issue of food insecurity, FAO warns that unless proper actions are taken , millions of Nigerians are expected to suffer and some threatened by famine.
Therefore, providing agricultural support to vulnerable farmers in a time like this is critical to ensure food production and avert a major food crisis.
To improve the shortfalls of the agricultural sector, a number of Agritech startups have emerged with the mission to use resources and tools to improve the livelihood of farmers.
Farmcrowdy Limited is one of such start-ups that is making head way in improving the lives of local farmers by maximizing their outputs and profits with technology. It is Nigeria’s first digital agricultural investment platform.
It was founded in September 2016 by e-commerce expert Onyeka Akumah along with Ifeanyi Anazado, Tope Omatolani, Akindele Phillips and Jimoh Meiyegun.
Farmcrowdy facilitates food production, food security and empowerment of farmers. It provides farmers equipments and tools that are needed on and off the farm for basic operations.
Esther Fom, a small farm holder in Plateau state gave an insight on how her farmland had increased from a very small plot of land to a large hectare and through Farmcrowdy she has been able to support other family members financially.
Esther Fom, a small farm holder in Plateau state gave an insight on how her farmland had increased from a very small plot of land to a large hectare and through Farmcrowdy she has been able to support other family members financially.
Also Barnabas Yakubu narrated how he farmed for just his family but with the opportunity from working with Farmcrowdy has been able to support other farmers in Dorowa and expand his capacity.
In an online publication with Devex, Chief Executive Officer Onyeka Akumah stated ” What we have been able to do successfully is introduce Nigerians to how they can come together through a trusted platform that they can vet and sponsor small scale farmers to grow good production”.
Some of the firms core values include Humility, Hunger, Excellence and Integrity. It a smart and reliable way to grow your agricultural business and make good money.
