Agribusiness Olam Agri has partnered with IDH and Arzikin Noma, a Nigerian agricultural development firm, to boost soybean production in Kwara State.
According to a statement from the firm on Friday, the agreement aims to unlock the potential of smallholder soybean farmers, particularly women and young people, through a comprehensive support programme.
Soybeans are a strategic crop for nutrition and growth. It plays a vital role in food and agriculture as a key source of protein and oil. It’s widely used in food production, animal feed, and industrial applications.
Speaking on the partnership, Country Director at IDH, Eniola Fabusoro, said, “We are excited to partner with Olam Agri and Arzikin Noma to boost productivity across the soybean value chain in Kwara State, Nigeria. This partnership exemplifies our approach to bridging the gap between large corporations and smallholder farmers through local partners. By combining our networks, resources, and field experience with proven SMEs like Arzikin Noma, we can transform supply chains while ensuring measurable impact for 5,000 farmers and long-term value for all stakeholders. This initiative demonstrates how sustainable trade can drive both agricultural development and business success.”
Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, Adeoluwa Adeshola, added, “Our commitment to food security and sustainable farming remains strong. This partnership in Kwara will raise both the quality and quantity of soybean produced locally, and we are proud to play a role in driving that progress.”
Global Sustainability Head, Grains, Oilseeds, Feed & Freight at Olam Agri, Shailendra Mishra, said, “This partnership with IDH and Arzikin Noma marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and inclusive soybean value chain in Nigeria. The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the immediate participants; it serves as a model for how regenerative agriculture can transform communities, restore soil health, and drive economic growth. As we embark on this journey, we remain committed to scaling up and expanding our support, ensuring that more farmers can benefit from sustainable practices and market opportunities.”
Vice President & Soybean Project Head at Olam Agri, Mustafa Turra, emphasised, “This initiative promotes economic empowerment, enhances livelihoods, and boosts productivity, ultimately creating a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector in Nigeria. By investing in this project and serving as the off-taker for locally produced soybeans, we are not only strengthening our supply chain but also ensuring that farmers have reliable, transparent, and rewarding opportunities to sell their produce.”
The partnership will empower 5,000 smallholder farmers across soybean-growing communities in Kwara State. This empowerment will be delivered through the provision of credit facilities for farming inputs, mechanisation support, financial access, training in sustainable practices, and crucial market linkage. It will strengthen agricultural development in the region alongside Olam Agri’s new 350,000 MT soybean processing facility in Kwara State, which is sourcing soybeans majorly from local producers, to meet the rising demand for high-quality feed and oil.
This initiative for smallholder farmers in the soybean supply chain builds on the company’s Seeds for the Future project, which has supported farmers and farmer communities since 2021.
