Increasing market diversity and connectivity for smallholder farmers
Since its establishment in 2006, Asma'u Memorial Farms Limited has been a pivotal force in the agricultural sector, multiplying and providing farmers with quality seed varieties to enhance their productivity and income. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the company faced unprecedented challenges that threatened its operations. Fortunately, Asma'u Memorial Farms Limited was selected as one of the recipients of the COVID-19 Mitigation Response grant from the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity. This timely assistance enabled the company to overcome the hurdles and transform its adversity into a remarkable success story.
Leveraging the COVID-19 Mitigation Response grant, Asma'u Memorial Farms Limited wasted no time fortifying its operations, aimed at providing better services to the farmers and supporting them to secure sustainable income streams amidst the recurring shocks. They strategically invested the funds to strengthen various aspects of their business. One notable improvement was the purchase of additional weighing scales, which significantly enhanced their precision in seed packaging. This enhancement instilled confidence in farmers, as they received accurate seed quantities, ultimately fostering trust and customer satisfaction within the market space. With this new found precision, Asma'u Memorial Farms Limited positioned itself as a reliable and trustworthy partner for farmers in need of quality seeds within the State.
Furthermore, the company acquired advanced bag sewing machines, revolutionizing its packaging efficiency. This upgrade allowed them to produce well-sealed and attractive seed bags, ensuring optimal preservation of seed quality and extending the shelf life. As a result, their seeds remained fresh and viable for longer periods, amplifying their value and desirability among farmers.
Reflecting on their journey, Mr. Tukur Muazu, the Managing Director of Asma’u Memorial Farms Limited, expressed gratitude for the timely support they received from the Activity. He stated that,
“We started operations in 2006, and at a point in time, we wanted to go under, but were fortunate to receive the COVID-19 support fund from the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA). I know that almost all the seed companies in Adamawa State were assisted, but for us, the fund came at the right time during the off-season. We used the fund to purchase additional weighing scales and sewing machines, and we used part of the money to purchase additional foundation seeds of 18 crop varieties.”
The impact of the COVID-19 Mitigation Response grant extended far beyond operational enhancements. Asma'u Memorial Farms Limited seized the opportunity to expand its seed varieties, previously offering 11 seed varieties and now providing a diverse collection of 29 high-quality seed varieties encompassing a wide range of crops. This expansion increased market diversity and connectivity and brought about meaningful changes in the lives of outgrowers and smallholder farmers in the sub-region.
The availability of other seed varieties empowered farmers to cultivate unique and in-demand crops, granting them a competitive edge in local and sub-regional markets. Asma'u Memorial Farms Limited's dedication to expanding its product range not only bolstered its success but also positively influenced the agricultural landscape, uplifting farmers' livelihoods and driving economic growth in the region.
About the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity
The Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity is a five-year, US$49 million program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to facilitate economic recovery and growth in vulnerable, conflict-affected areas by promoting systemic change in market systems. The Activity is part of the U.S. Government's global hunger and food security initiative. It is aimed at empowering vulnerable households, communities and systems to cope with current shocks and stresses, and to be prepared to withstand future ones.
The Activity is implemented by Mercy Corps, in partnership with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and Save the Children (SCI), primarily in the Northeast states of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe. Through the COVID-19 Mitigation Response Program, the Activity's operational areas also include Benue, Kebbi, Niger, and Ebonyi states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. Using market-led approaches, the Activity will move over 600,000 individuals out of chronic vulnerability and poverty.