One Acre Fund Nigeria flags off 2026 input delivery for 88,000 farmers

One Acre Fund Nigeria's 2026 input delivery program marks a significant step in bolstering agricultural productivity across Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara, and Plateau states. By providing 88,000 smallholder farmers with essential resources like fertilizer and seeds on credit, alongside crucial training, the organization directly tackles the systemic barriers hindering Nigeria's food system. This initiative, as highlighted by Zainab Haruna and Kazi Nanyah, is not merely about distributing inputs; it's about empowering farmers to overcome financial constraints and improve their output during the critical rainy season farming period.

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They also lacked the training that is required for them. What we are doing is bridging that gap effectively by ensuring that we provide these facilities to farmers.

The program's design, allowing farmers to access inputs with a small initial payment and repay over time, is a practical solution to the perennial problem of limited capital. This credit-based approach ensures that farming enterprises can continue to operate and thrive, rather than being stymied by the upfront costs of quality agricultural materials. The emphasis on training further underscores a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced yields, recognizing that access to resources alone is insufficient without the requisite knowledge.

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So, rather than farmers waiting until they have all of the money to purchase their inputs, they can use a small amount to enrol in the programme, access the inputs, and then over the course of the next five to six months, they are then able to slowly pay back their loan.

As Nigeria grapples with rising input costs and distribution inefficiencies, initiatives like One Acre Fund's are vital. The organization's efforts to bridge the gap between farmers and the resources they need are particularly relevant given the structural constraints affecting the nation's food system. By focusing on smallholder farmers, who produce the majority of Nigeria's food, this program directly addresses vulnerability and aims to improve productivity at the grassroots level. The distribution of 9,000 metric tonnes of agricultural inputs is a tangible commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods and contributing to national food security.

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It ensures that they are able to continue running their farming enterprise. They have access to training because we also make sure that all our farmers are trained, and that way we ensure that their yield for the season is improved and they are able to get better output.