On October 18-19, 2024, Lagos hosted the inaugural Women and Youth Farmers Agripreneur Regional Conference (WAYFARC), a groundbreaking event organized by the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG). Under the theme “Inclusive Agribusiness: Leave No One Behind,” the conference set the stage for women and youth to take the lead in transforming Nigeria’s agribusiness sector in Nigeria.

The conference’s primary objective was to empower women and young people into agribusiness by providing access to resources, finance, and the knowledge needed to build sustainable ventures. With attendees from across Nigeria’s six states in the southwest region, the conference focused on creating an inclusive environment where both women and youth could thrive, overcoming the traditional barriers that have often limited their roles in agriculture.

The two-day conference featured thought-provoking panel discussions that tackled crucial topics such as value addition, leveraging technology, and the unique challenges faced by women and youth in the agribusiness sector.

WAYFARC also provided a platform to discuss the significant challenges faced by women and youth in agribusiness, including:

• Limited access to affordable finance.
• The high cost of adopting agricultural technologies.
• Climate change’s impact on farming.
• Inconsistent standards and lack of quality control mechanisms.

However, these challenges were also seen as opportunities for innovation, with calls for more inclusive policies, mentorship, and capacity-building programs aimed at helping women and youth scale their businesses and compete globally.

The conference concluded with the appointment of regional champions who will work closely with NABG to address key issues such as policy advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and transitioning Nigeria’s agriculture sector into a more inclusive and sustainable agribusiness model.

The event marked the beginning of a broader movement to transform the agribusiness landscape in Nigeria, with women and youth playing critical roles in ensuring the sector’s long-term success. NABG remains committed to driving this change by empowering the next generation of agripreneurs to leave no one behind.

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Are you passionate about agribusiness? Whether you’re a farmer, entrepreneur, or advocate, there’s a place for you in this journey. Join the conversation, share your insights, and help drive inclusive agribusiness in Nigeria.