Advancing Domestic Processing and Job Creation for Over 7,000 Smallholder Farmers Across Northeast Nigeria

Gombe, Nigeria – November 6, 2024 – ThriveAgric, a leading agri-tech company committed to advancing food security in Africa, has launched its first multipurpose grain cleaning and milling facility in Gombe, Nigeria, in collaboration with Mercy Corps. This milestone project, featuring a state-of-the-art facility with a processing capacity of 15-20 metric tonnes, is part of the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) initiative. The facility is designed to significantly boost agricultural productivity, expand economic opportunities, and strengthen resilience among smallholder farmers (SHFs) and agri-SMEs across Northeast Nigeria.

Speaking on the significance of this facility, ThriveAgric’s CEO, Uka Eje, expressed how this pioneering venture aligns with the company's larger vision. “This launch is a groundbreaking achievement as ThriveAgric’s first multipurpose grain cleaning and milling facility. It symbolizes our commitment to building an Africa that feeds itself and the world. By enabling local processing, we’re addressing a core challenge in the agricultural value chain – post-harvest losses – while empowering farmers with the tools needed to produce high-quality grains that command better market prices,” he stated. “We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re creating a sustainable solution that positions Nigerian agriculture for greater economic impact and resilience.”

Delivering remarks at the launch, the Governor of Gombe State, Alh. Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Barnabas Malle, emphasized the importance of this facility for the region's agricultural landscape. “This multipurpose grain processing facility marks a significant leap forward for our local agricultural economy. The state is proud to support ThriveAgric and Mercy Corps in this initiative, which stands to empower our smallholder farmers, create jobs, and establish Gombe as a hub for high-quality grain production. This project will positively impact our farmers, who are the backbone of our economy, and enhance the state’s agricultural value chain,” the Commissioner highlighted.

In his comments, Shadrach Gideon, Measurement and Result Management, Mercy Corps, elaborated on the value of the partnership and its alignment with the Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) under the Feed the Future program. “This partnership represents a shared commitment to strengthening the resilience of rural communities by addressing both pre- and post-harvest needs. By improving access to quality inputs and reducing post-harvest losses, we are not only supporting economic resilience but also helping farmers realize their full potential,” Idris remarked. “Through the Rural Resilience Activity, we are creating long-lasting impacts that uplift entire communities, ensuring that they can thrive and sustain themselves despite the challenges they face.”

The facility will serve over 7,000 SHFs, enhancing the quality of grains such as rice, maize, and millet by removing impurities like stones and dirt. The advanced equipment, including temperature and humidity control systems, ensures that farmers can access premium markets with a projected income increase of up to 30%. This facility will reduce post-harvest losses, which have historically reached up to 40% in the region due to inadequate infrastructure, thereby positioning Nigerian grain to compete on both local and international scales.

The launch follows ThriveAgric's recent commissioning of six One-Stop Agro-Input Shops across Gombe, Adamawa, and Yobe states, which offer farmers and agri-SMEs timely access to essential farming inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. This combined approach equips farmers to optimize their production processes and increase yields, enhancing the agricultural value chain and supporting sustainable growth in the region.

With over 50 local job opportunities directly created through the new facility, and an additional boost for agri-SMEs engaged with the One-Stop Shops, the project is set to drive economic empowerment, especially for women and youth. This milestone is a testament to ThriveAgric and Mercy Corps' dedication to uplifting Northeast Nigeria through strategic innovations that foster growth, resilience, and long-term prosperity.

For additional information or interview requests with a ThriveAgric spokesperson, please contact info@thriveagric.com.