Have you recently thought about how smallholder farmers navigate the challenges of climate change and insecurity? Or how the pressing food crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, and climate change have disrupted agricultural production and driven food prices higher.

The Food Crisis Context

The current food crisis is not just an economic issue; it’s a humanitarian one affecting millions across Africa. Insecurity has disrupted agricultural production and distribution systems, leaving farmers unable to farm in some regions, access markets and essential inputs. Climate change compounds these challenges, leading to unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and severe flooding that affect farming schedules.

But why does this matter? Smallholder farmers produce about 80% of Africa's food. Without support, their struggles directly impact food security for everyone. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change could reduce agricultural yields in Sub-Saharan Africa by up to 20% by 2050. This reality highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions that empower farmers to adapt and thrive.

In light of these, let’s explore insights from our Impact Report at ThriveAgric spotlighting the resilience of these farmers and their vital role in feeding our communities. 

In 2023, ThriveAgric disbursed $40 million in input loans to over 273,000 farmers across Nigeria and beyond. This investment in quality seeds, fertilizers, and technology has allowed them not just to survive but to thrive—resulting in an average revenue increase of $4,200 per farmer.

How does this financial empowerment make a difference? By providing farmers with access to high-quality inputs and technology, ThriveAgric enabled them to improve their yields significantly. With increased production capacity, they can feed their families and contribute to local economies.

“Before ThriveAgric, I struggled to make ends meet. Now with the input loan I received, I was able to improve my farm's productivity significantly. My harvest has doubled this year! I can finally send my siblings to school.”  - Jummai, a smallholder farmer in Bauchi.

Jummai's story exemplifies how targeted support can lead to transformative change.

Sustainability is at the core of what we do at ThriveAgric. Between 2023 and now, over 300,000 smallholder farmers adopted sustainable farming practices through our training programs. These practices include crop rotation and efficient water management techniques.

These practices are important because by adopting environmentally friendly methods, farmers can improve soil health and increase biodiversity on their farms. This not only enhances productivity but also builds resilience against climate-related shocks such as droughts or floods.

Yusuf from Adamawa State shared his journey:

“I used to rely solely on rainwater for my crops. After attending ThriveAgric’s good agricultural practices (GAP) training on water harvesting techniques, I now have a system that captures rainwater for irrigation during dry spells. My crops are thriving even when the rains are scarce.” 

Yusuf's experience highlights how education empowers farmers to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The experiences of Jummai and Yusuf illustrate how our initiatives are making a significant difference in the lives of smallholder farmers. Their stories reflect the courage that defines our community.

Still on communities, to foster inclusivity, we focused on empowering women and youth within farming communities. We achieved a balanced participation rate with 55% male and 45% female involvement. Women play a crucial role in agriculture but often face barriers that limit their access to resources.

By providing targeted training programs for women like Amina and engaging youth in agriculture-related initiatives (with over 10,000 youths trained), we aim to foster a new generation of agricultural leaders who can drive change within their communities.

As one female farmer, Amina put it: 

"When I succeed in my farm business, my family benefits too—better nutrition for my children and more opportunities for them."

Isn’t it inspiring how empowering one person can uplift an entire family? Imagine what empowering tens and hundreds of thousands does to the African economy.

Infrastructure development is another critical aspect of our strategy at ThriveAgric. We’ve established over 450 storage warehouses across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda in just a little over the last year. This infrastructure reduces post-harvest losses—estimated at around 30% for many crops—and enhances market access for our farmers.

Moreover, improved infrastructure facilitates the export of crops by ensuring that produce reaches international markets efficiently. With better roads and storage facilities, farmers can transport their goods while maintaining quality standards required for export.

Why is this important, you may ask. Improved storage facilities allow farmers to store their produce safely until market prices are favorable rather than selling immediately after harvest when prices are often low due to oversupply. This strategic approach helps stabilize incomes while ensuring consumers have access to quality produce throughout the year.

2024 is still underway, but we’re proud of the strides made and foundation laid in the last year. ThriveAgric is committed to building an Africa that feeds herself while contributing significantly to global food security. We reaffirm our dedication to addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers through access to finance, access to premium markets, sustainable agricultural practices; infrastructure development; and fostering inclusivity among women & youth.

We encourage you to read our full 2023 Impact Report for more inspiring stories of resilience within our farming communities. Your support—whether through investment or advocacy—can help us continue this vital work together. Together we can create a brighter future for all.

Download our Impact Report!