Explore every episode of the podcast The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast

We sat with the team at the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF UI) on the Importance and Role of Policy for Sustainable Food Security.The Innovation Lab seeks to positively influence agri-food systems through policy, research, capacity building, and partnerships.As we sat with PiLAF’s Administrative Project Manager, Mr. Iredele Ogunbayo, one important deliberation had was the unsafe foods challenge and the policy and Lab’s roles in addressing this. This was important with the widespread unhealthy food practices and dangerous foods, which presented health risks to Nigerians.Mr. Iredele emphasized the gap between policy formulation and execution, citing policy is not the problem that there are brilliant policies, that what is lacking is execution. He called for more actions. Mr. Ogubayo also highlighted the education and training gaps on appropriate food production, handling and preservation methods, regulatory lapses, policy and research failure to drive solutions, and a lack of stakeholder linkages to enforce traceability across supply chains and at last miles.He called for holistic intervention encompassing producers and consumers education, and every other actors playing conscious role to ensure wholesome food delivery and availability, policy consistencies and effectiveness that sustain research results, promote investments and innovative solutions, and that bridge research-extension-policy-farmer gaps.Mr. Iredele Ogunbayo encouraged people to grow their own foods. He sees this as a good means to not only promote food access but also access to safe and nutritious foods.Some other issues were discussed as well, which covered general agricultural challenges in the nation and the need for food systems thinking, also value chain opportunities, especially for youth, with pursuing strong policy and investment drive.Mr. Iredele Ogunbayo informed about the works of PiLAF in these areas to bring about changes, and the growing of foods within their premises, leading by example and promoting growing one's foods at home to help ensure help ensure immediate household food security.Listen to the full conversation get know the challenges with ensuring wholesome food at the table and what true solutions could entail. You can also watch the full video on our YouTube Channel @TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast. Follow link below to watch.

https://youtu.be/BDrWTT2qNU8?si=zPaQbq7HuTtGqixq

We like to hear from you. What do you think constitutes the biggest challenge with sustainable safe food and security in Nigeria and Africa and also to policy in driving such?Ensure to share, like and subscribe to The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast here on Spotify and also on YouTube, and get early access to and be informed about real and beneficial information and knowledge.

#FoodPolicy #AgriculturalResearch #FoodHandlingPractice #SafeFood #FoodSafety #FoodSecurity #GrowYourFood #FoodHandlingTraining #StaholderEngagement #FoodSupplyChains #AgriculturalExtension #YouthinAgriculture #PiLAFUI #IredeleOgunbayo #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast

Inclusive Agricultural Extension: Reaching the Unreached (Women, Youth & Non-Literate Farmers)

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Rasak Olajide, Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ibadan, for an important conversation on how agricultural extension can better serve the farmers and important population demographic to the farming and rural sector who are most often left behind.

Across Nigeria, many women farmers, young people, and non-literate smallholders still struggle to access the information, training, and support they need to improve their productivity and livelihoods. These gaps continue to affect food security, rural development, and the future of farming.In this discussion, Professor Olajide explores:

• Who the “unreached” farmers really are
• Why women farmers often receive less extension support
• Why many young people are turning away from agriculture
• How illiteracy and poverty limit access to agricultural information
• Practical strategies for reaching non-literate and resource-poor farmers
• What truly inclusive agricultural extension should look like moving forward

This episode offers valuable insights for farmers, extension agents, policymakers, students, researchers, and anyone committed to building a more inclusive and effective agricultural system in Nigeria.

Guest:
Professor Rasak Olajide
University of Ibadan

#AgriculturalExtension #InclusiveAgriculture #WomenInAgriculture #YouthInAgriculture #NigerianFarmers #RuralDevelopment #FoodSecurity #SmallholderFarmers #AgriculturalDevelopment #FarmingInNigeria #SustainableAgriculture #Agribusiness #RuralLivelihoods #ExtensionServices #AgricultureInAfrica

Unlocking the Potential of Urban Farming - The Policy Imperative (PiLAF Brown Bag Series 20th Edition)

This was an afterthought of the presentation for PiLAF's (the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security, University of Ibadan) Brown Bag Series which explored the growing relevance of urban and innovative farming systems in addressing Nigeria’s triple challenges of food security, unemployment, and climate change.

The presentation highlighted practical urban farming models including hydroponics, soilless cultivation, sack farming (SAC), vertical farming, and other controlled-environment techniques.

It will examined how these systems can deliver year-round production of high-value crops (such as tomato, okra, cucumber, and pepper), reduce post-harvest losses, create employment opportunities, especially for youth and women, and build climate resilience through resource-efficient practices.

A key focus was on the policy imperative, where current gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural policy frameworks were identified and with proposed actionable recommendations to mainstream urban agriculture into national and sub-national food security strategies, land-use planning, climate adaptation plans, and youth employment programmes.

From Information to Impact: Rethinking Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in a Changing World

What does agricultural extension need to becomein a rapidly changing world?

This speech began after Professor O.O Oyedele, the Director of Research at NIHORT (National Institute for Horticultural Research) had given a brilliant lecture on the evolution of agriculture and agricultural extension and the challenges, condensing a long history into 40mins lecture while also exposing to the opportunities and giving thoughts about the future.

Toheeb Azeez on mounting the podium for his keynote speech asked if the students present had recorded the lecture as he found it deeply insightful giving him a succinct refresher of what he had learnt in his undergraduate days.

He reminded of societal changes to globalization and multiculturalism and told a funny story revealed to him in a podcast conversation with Emeritus Professor Janice E. OIawoye (an American married to a Yoruba Nigerian and had lecture at the University of Ibadan) where in her early days of settling in Nigeria Prof. Olawoye would take public transports in Ibadan and people would say things in Yoruba not knowing she understands Yoruba, where she would say ẹṣe (thank you in Yoruba) on alighting and the co-passengers would get stunned.

Toheeb proceeded to preparing the listeners for an expansive thinking of agricultural extension informing of his podcast conversation with Professor Kehinde Thomas (that ably represented the H.O.D Professor Olutokunbo Oyesola) where he had viewed extension practice as operating in the "Market Place of Development" portraying depth of activities and possibilities.

Azeez then spoke briefly to Professor Oyedele about the low diversity of reared fish species in Nigeria compared to many varieties of crops. He did so to stir the research and knowledge gaps that he would touch on in his presentations. Toheeb Azeez then dived into the keynote speech fully.

In this keynote delivered at the Professor Janice E. Olawoye Personality Lecture during AERDSA Week ’26, Toheeb Azeez explores the changing role of agricultural extension and rural development and why the future must go beyond simply transferring information to farmers.

The central question is simple but important: In a world where information is everywhere, why are so many farmers,young people and rural communities still disconnected from the knowledge,opportunities, technologies, markets and systems that could improve theirlives?

The address examines the gap between information and impact, and explores how agricultural extension can evolve from traditional information delivery toward problem-solving, meaningful communication, innovation, opportunity creation and stronger connections between research, practice and communities.

The keynote also considers:

• Why information does not automatically translate into impact
• The changing role of agricultural extension professionals
• Digital technology, AI and the future of extension
• Connecting agricultural research with real-world practice
• The importance of agricultural communication
• Preparing students and young professionals for a changing agricultural sector
• Moving beyond the search for jobs toward value creation and entrepreneurship
• The role of universities in shaping the future of agriculture
• Why extension must increasingly look beyond the farmand engage with the wider food and development system

The conversation ultimately challenges a new generation of agricultural professionals to think differently about knowledge, communication, opportunity and impact.

🎙️ Keynote: Toheeb Azeez
Professor Janice E. Olawoye PersonalityLecture | AERDSA Week ’26

Listen, reflect, and join the conversation onthe future of agricultural extension and rural development.

#AgriculturalExtension #RuralDevelopment #Agriculture #FoodSystems #AgriculturalEducation #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #AERDSAWeek26 #AgriculturalCommunication

Empowerment Beyond the Farm: Cross-Cultural Lessons, Value Addition & Livelihood Strategies for Rural Women

What does true empowerment look like for rural women in agriculture?In this powerful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sit with Professor Sarafat Ayanfunke Tijani, a leading scholar in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ibadan.

Drawing from her research in Japan and Nigeria, Professor Tijani unpacks practical and research-backed strategies that go beyond traditional farming.

We explore:

• Lessons from Japan’s Direct Farmers’ Markets and how they can transform women’s economic power
• Value addition in shea butter, tomato processing, and other agricultural products
• The role of home economics and non-farm income activities in building household resilience
• Livelihood diversification strategies that strengthen food security
• What an effective extension paradigm shift should look like for rural women in Nigeria

This conversation delivers deep insights for agricultural extension officers, rural development practitioners, policymakers, gender advocates, agribusiness professionals, researchers, and anyone passionate about inclusive agricultural development.

Whether you work in the field or influence policy, this episode offers timeless lessons on how to design empowerment approaches that create real impact.

Listen now and discover how rural women can thrive beyond the farm.

Guest: Professor Sarafat Ayanfunke Tijani
Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development, University of Ibadan

#WomenInAgriculture #AgriculturalExtension #RuralDevelopment #ValueAddition #SheaButter #LivelihoodDiversification #GenderAndAgriculture #NigerianAgriculture

Why agricultural extension? What makes someone choose the field—and stay committed to it for years?

In Part I of Extension Beyond Boundaries, The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast sits down with Prof. Olutokunbo Oyesola, Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, for a personal conversation about the journey behind the position.

Before discussing the future of agricultural extension, its challenges and the opportunities ahead, this conversation begins with Prof. Oyesola himself.

He introduces his professional journey, reflects on what first drew him to agricultural extension, and shares what has kept him committed to the discipline.

He also opens up about becoming Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development—his reflections on taking on the responsibility and what the role means to him.

🌱 Why agricultural extension?
What led Prof. Oyesola into the field and shaped his professional path?

🎓 The journey behind the profession
The experiences and influences that helped shape his career in agricultural extension.

🔎 What keeps a professional in the field?
His reflections on why agricultural extension has remained an important part of his work.

🏛️ Becoming Head of Department
His thoughts and reflections on taking on leadership of one of Nigeria's important agricultural extension and rural development departments.

🌍 The meaning of agricultural extension
A conversation that provides context for the deeper discussion that follows in Parts II and III.

Part I introduces the person, journey and perspective behind the role.

In Part II, the conversation moves deeper into Prof. Oyesola's vision for agricultural extension, the challenges facing the discipline, innovation and emerging opportunities.

Part III continues into questions around students and youth, skills, partnerships, institutional impact and the future role of agricultural extension in sustainable food systems.

Together, the three parts form a broader conversation about where agricultural extension has been, where it is today, and where it can go next.

Agricultural extension sits at an important intersection between research, knowledge, innovation and the people who need that knowledge most.

As agriculture changes through technology, changing farmer needs, new forms of agricultural enterprise, climate pressures and evolving food systems, the question is not simply whether agricultural extension remains relevant.

It is also how agricultural extension must evolve to remain useful, accessible and impactful.

That larger conversation begins here.

Prof. Olutokunbo Oyesola
Head, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Professor of Rural Sociology and Social Safeguard Specialist.
University of Ibadan, Nigeria

The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast explores Food, Agriculture & Development Issues through conversations that connect research, policy and real-world realities.

We bring together farmers, researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators, development professionals and other voices shaping agriculture and food systems in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Conversations for a Sustainable Food Future.

What first attracted you to agriculture or agricultural extension?

And what do you think makes agricultural extension professionals remain committed to the field?

Share your thoughts and perspectives.

Follow The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast on Spotify and continue with Parts II and III of Extension Beyond Boundaries.#AgriculturalExtension #Agriculture #RuralDevelopment #NigeriaAgriculture #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #UniversityOfIbadan #AgriculturalInnovation #FoodSystems

AGAINST THE ODDS: Building an Aquaculture Business in Nigeria as a Woman

Nigeria has enormous potential for aquaculture, but what does it actually take to build a fish farming business in an industry facing high feed costs, challenging operating conditions, weak purchasing power and questions around fish genetics and input security?

In this episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, Bukola Mustapha, CEO of Bukky Farms, shares the realities of building an aquaculture business in Nigeria after starting withjust 600 fish and growing to a production scale of around 30,000 fish.

The conversation goes behind the ponds to examine the issues shaping Nigeria's fish farming industry: fish breeds and fingerling quality, inbreeding, hatchery practices, feed security, rising production costs, pricing, profitability and the importance of knowing your true cost of production.

Bukola also speaks candidly about what it means to be a woman in aquaculture, from inequitable access to finance and the perception that fish production is a man's space, to the physical demands of farming and the pressure on women to focus on processing and value addition rather than production itself.

Her message is clear: women should be able to build businesses around the areas of agriculture they are passionate about. With planning, strategy, determination and the right niche, there is room to thrive.

The episode also features Dauda Elijah, an NYSC intern at Bukky Farms, who offers a young person's perspective on practical experience, agricultural internships, technology,postharvest losses, research, value addition and the opportunities available beyond primary fish production.

Together, their perspectives reveal a bigger question:

If Nigeria wants aquaculture to become a stronger source of food, jobs, investment and economic opportunity, what needs to change?

From fish genetics and feed security to women entrepreneurs and the next generation of agricultural professionals, this is an honest conversation about the realities and possibilities of Nigeria's aquaculture industry.

Listen to the full conversation and tell us:
What is the biggest opportunity for Nigeria's aquaculture industry, and what is the biggest obstacle standing in its way?

#Aquaculture #FishFarming #NigeriaAgriculture #Agribusiness #AquacultureNigeria #FishFarmingNigeria #WomenInAgriculture #AgricultureNigeria #CatfishFarming #TilapiaFarming #YouthInAgriculture #AgriculturalEntrepreneurship

AFS Forum 2026: Unlocking Opportunities for Africa’s Food System | Youth, Agri-Finance & InnovationWhat does Africa’s food system need to become more productive, inclusive, resilient and capable of creating meaningful opportunities for young people?In this insightful conversation, we speak with Lucy Chioma Aniagolu, an agri-educator and founder of Agrodemy, about the upcoming African Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.Drawing from her experience as a delegate, speaker and Rising Star Agripreneur of Africa award recipient, Lucy shares valuable insights into what makes AFS Forum such an important platform for Africa’s agriculture and food systems.In this episode, we explore:🌱 Why AFS Forum is one of the most important gatherings for Africa’s agricultural sector💰 The African agri-finance gap and why access to finance remains unequal👩🏾🌾 Why Africa needs to invest not only in agribusinesses, but also in agricultural talent🎓 The growing importance of agricultural education and career-based skills development💼 How youth employment can strengthen agricultural businesses and attract investment📱 The role of digital visibility in helping agripreneurs connect with funders, partners and opportunities🤝 Why collaboration and networking are critical to building a stronger food system🌍 How young Africans can use AFS Forum to understand global agricultural trends and identify new opportunities📋 Practical tips for first-time attendees and virtual participants at AFS Forum🚀 How to prepare, network intentionally, take actionable notes and follow up after the summit💡 Ideas for making AFS Forum even more inclusive and impactful, including youth orientation, watch parties and post-summit action resourcesOne of the key messages from this conversation is simple: don't just attend AFS Forum, be intentional about what you want to learn, who you want to meet and what you want to achieve.Whether you are a young agripreneur, farmer, agritech founder, agricultural professional, investor, policymaker, educator, student or simply interested in Africa's food systems, this conversation offers practical lessons you can take away.Watch, learn, share your thoughts and join the conversation on the future of Africa's food system.#AFSForum2026 #AfricanFoodSystems #Agriculture #AgriBusiness #AgriFinance #YouthInAgriculture #Agritech #FoodSecurity #AgriculturalEducation #Africa #AgriEntrepreneurship #Kigali #Rwanda #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast

Beyond the Headlines: Understanding the Systems That Shape Nigeria’s Future

As Nigeria moves closer to another presidential election, the question of the country’s future is increasingly on the minds of Nigerians.

But beyond the question of who should lead Nigeria lies a deeper question: Why do some nations succeed while others struggle to realise their potential? And why, despite Nigeria’s enormous resources and progress in some areas, do millions of citizens continue to experience hardship?

Nigeria’s current development story presents a number of difficult contradictions. Economic reforms and recovery are being celebrated, yet concerns about living standards and human development remain. Oil production may be improving, but questions about energy affordability persist. Investment and financial markets may show positive signals, while many SMEs and ordinary Nigerians continue to struggle. Educational reforms are taking place, yet millions of children remain out of school. Security efforts continue, but kidnapping and insecurity still threaten lives, food production and investment.

And then there are the questions of leadership, democracy, institutions and citizenship.

How much of Nigeria’s development challenge can be attributed to leadership? What should development actually be measured by? Can economic growth be considered successful when its benefits are not broadly felt? How independent are the institutions that are expected to protect democracy and the rule of law? What role should religion, ethnicity and regional identity play in a secular and diverse state? And beyond government, what responsibility do citizens have for the country they want to see?

From the economy and elections to governance, law, security, education, agriculture, culture and international affairs, this conversation looks beyond individual headlines to the systems and connections behind them.

Because Nigeria's challenges do not exist in isolation. Leadership affects institutions. Institutions affect the economy. The economy affects livelihoods. Security affects food production and investment. Education and culture shape citizens. And citizens, in turn, shape the society they live in.

On this episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we bring together different perspectives to examine these connections and ask a fundamental question:

What kind of systems, leadership and citizenship does Nigeria need to translate its enormous potential into meaningful development?

🎙️ Host: Toheeb Azeez — Agribusiness & Researcher
🎙️ Co-Host: Olugbenga Aderemi-Williams — Business, Economic & Political Analyst
🎙️ Speaker: Oladapo Quassim Olaniyonu Esq. — Lawyer & Public Affairs Analyst

🎙️ Speaker: Olanrewaju Sulaiman Lawal — Legal Practitioner🎙️ Speaker: Jibril Rufa’u — Legal Practitioner, Arbitrator & Political Analyst

Theme: Connecting the Dots – Understanding the Systems That Shape Development

🎧 Listen. Think. Question. Join the conversation.

The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast

Info. Insights. How-to. Opportunities.
Nigeria. Africa. Global.

#TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #BeyondTheHeadlines #Nigeria #NigerianPolitics #NigeriaEconomy #NigeriaDevelopment #Governance #Leadership #Democracy #NigerianElections #EconomicReforms #HumanDevelopment #GoodGovernance #PublicPolicy #NigeriasFuture

The Digital Revolution in Nigerian Agriculture: How ICTs Are Transforming Extension Services and Reaching Smallholder Farmers

Can digital technologies truly transform agriculture in Nigeria? More importantly, how can they reach the millions of smallholder farmers who produce most of our food?

In this episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sit down with Professor Taofeeq Oyedeji Yekinni, Professor of Agricultural Extension Communication at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, to explore how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are reshaping agricultural extension services and the future of farming in Nigeria.

Drawing from years of research and practical experience, Professor Yekinni explains why digital transformation is no longer optional for Nigeria's agricultural development. We discuss how mobile phones, radio, SMS, social media, the internet, and emerging digital platforms are connecting farmers with timely information, research findings, advisory services, and market opportunities.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• Why ICT-driven agricultural extension is essential for improving productivity and food security.
• How digital media can translate complex agricultural research into practical knowledge that farmers can easily understand and apply.
• Why poor internet connectivity and weak rural infrastructure remain major barriers to digital inclusion.
• The often-overlooked importance of traditional communication tools such as radio and SMS in overcoming language, literacy, trust, and affordability challenges.
• Why a hybrid extension approach -combining traditional and digital media -is the most effective way to reach diverse farming communities.
• The growing risks of agricultural misinformation on social media and how farmers can access credible, verified information for better decision-making.

This episode offers valuable insights for farmers, extension professionals, researchers, students, policymakers, agribusiness professionals, development practitioners, and anyone interested in the future of agriculture in Nigeria and Africa.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on how digital innovation can build a more inclusive, resilient, and productive agricultural sector.

Guest: Professor Taofeeq Oyedeji Yekinni
Host: Toheeb Azeez
Podcast: The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone passionate about agriculture, innovation, and, rural and sustainable development.

#NigerianAgriculture #DigitalAgriculture #ICTs4Ag #PrecisionAgriculture #SmartFarming #RuralDevelopment #AgriculturalExtension #NigerianFarmers #RuralNigeria #AgriculturalResearch #AgriculturalPolicy #DigitalInclusion #RuralConnectivity #FoodSystems #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast

Title: World Cup, Wars & Weather: How Global Events Shape Food Systems Subtitle: FIFA World Cup 2026 • Israel-Iran Conflict • Russia-Ukraine War • Climate Change • Oil Prices • AfCFTA • Dangote Refinery • Insecurity • Education & Development

What do football, war, climate change, oil prices, trade, education, insecurity, and politics have in common? They all shape our food systems.

Welcome to our weekly globaland local affairs discussion, where we connect the dots between major events and their often-overlooked impacts on agriculture, food systems, rural livelihoods, and sustainable development.

At The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we believe food systems are shaped not only by what happens on the farm, but also by decisions made in boardrooms, parliaments, international institutions, financial markets, and conflict zones.

In this episode, we begin with the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026, exploring why it was far more than a football tournament. We unpack the intricate links between sport, entertainment, food, culture, tourism, trade, politics, anddevelopment, showing how the tournament relied on complex supply chains, farmers, food processors, logistics, hospitality, MSMEs, and public infrastructure. We also examine both the opportunities and the hidden costs for host economies, including public expenditure, food systems, local businesses, and national development priorities.

The conversation then shifts to global geopolitics, examining the renewed Israel-Iran conflict, the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, and their far-reaching consequences for energy markets, food prices, climate resilience, humanitarian assistance, andvulnerable economies across Africa. We also discuss the growing influence of El Niño and increasingly extreme weather events, from heatwaves and droughts to flash floods in Lagos and Abia States and what they mean for food production and livelihoods.

We also examine the recurring volatility in global oil markets, the role of the Dangote Refinery in strengthening Nigeria's domestic energy security, and the public debate over fuel pricing, affordability, and the wider implications for food production,transportation, and inflation.

Across Africa, we discuss regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ECOWAS' ambition for a single West African currency, and the opportunities andchallenges facing the continent regarding this and also other important issues. Closer to home, we examine insecurity andkidnappings, including the attack at Orire in Oyo State, and how growing fear is affecting farming, investment, and rural development. We also explore education issues such as the WAEC fee increase, out-of-school children, NELFUND, youth development, SME support, and the national debate surroundingthe First Lady's remarks on akara businesses.

This episode is a reminder that food systems are interconnected with every aspect of society. Understanding these linkages is essential to building resilient agriculture, stronger economies, and sustainable development.

Join the conversation as we connect global events to local realities and uncover how today's headlines shape tomorrow'sfood systems.

#FoodSystems #FoodSecurity #Agriculture #Nigeria #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026 #ClimateChange #Geopolitics #DangoteRefinery #EnergySecurity #FoodInflation #AfCFTA #Nigeria #AfricanDevelopment #Policy #Agribusiness #Development #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast

This important cassava value chain conversation with Oluwole C.E.O of Golden in their operating facility in Ibarapa has long been in the archived to be published, repaired, optimized and salvaged after being damaged to recording difficulties and transmission error.

We are glad to be able to publish it for listeners to gain invaluable insights on operating challenges within cassava processing for raw materials and value chain activities.

Goldenlad is a business-to-business company manufacturing important cassava raw materials for other companies’ function and production of finished products.

Oluwole enlightened about the business, challenges that help to clarify many of the assumptions we hold about cassava processing.

📣 Last 3yrs when India halted the export of its rice 🌾 the ripple was felt in Africa 🌍 and in Nigeria . This year, fertilizer production disruption in the country had similar effects.

India is an agriculture powerhouse supplying important inputs for Africa’s food production and security. The country attained record grain 357.73 million metric tons (MMT) and horticulture output of 362.08 MMT, becoming world’s 2nd largest producer of rice and wheat.

💰India and Africa conduct a yearly trade of over $100 billion and is projected to double by 2030. She is Africa’s 4th largest trading partner. And Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa.

🛢️Oil and gas, minerals, machineries and automobiles, etc form huge proportion of the trade. But food and agricultural exports also constitutes 10% of the trade.

⚡️African countries are deepening energy and infrastructural investment -from Nigeria, to Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, etc. India, dependent on global market for 85% of its crude oil needs was rocked with the recent Middle East supply chains disruptions.

⛽️ The country has daily 5.6 million barrels per day and 192 million standard cubic meters per day crude oil and natural gas. It represents an exciting opportunity.

🚜 We looked at this but also more of agricultural trade -increasing africa’s (and Nigeria’s) export beyond 35% and deficit and to include value added products.

🤝 We also on touched on areas, commonalities, and share perspectives, lessons, and knowledge that improve relationship and trade.

🏦 India does $51 billion annual agricultural exports and with $15 billion trade surplus, and powers by technology and digital inclusion.

We perused what Nigeria and other African countries can learn from this, how can they better leverage technology to improve domestic food production and security, and tap into enticing export markets, for instance India’s import bills of vegetable oils, pulses and fruits.

🧑🏾‍🌾 As there’s dramatical shift to sustainable and urban farming, clean energy and transportation techs across Africa but input still imported but local potential, how can domestic capacity improve with India’s developed capacity in biogas and planting materials from agricultural wastes.

🎙️This discourse was held with a rising Chevening Scholar, Himani Chandel experienced with development, communication, and multiple markets. Himani is a strategic communications professional and a former journalist with over 15 years of experience across media, social development sector, and public policy. She holds a Master's in Communication for Innovation and Development from the University of Reading and has worked with leading organisations in India including Plan International, Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation, founded by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, and Press Trust of India, India's leading news agency.

Chandel with this rich experience, lived-reality, exposure, as well as growing up in a family with deep roots in agriculture, shared reflections to strengthen Nigeria and India relationships.

This is third episode of the edutainment series of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast.

This particular drama was written by Toheeb Azeez (The Lasgidi Farmer and the founder and host of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast) in 2017 and published the same year, on Facebook on his personal page.

It later was voice-acted with Maryam Giwa in May 2026 and published in June 15, 2026.

Voice actors:

Maryam Giwa: Oluwakemi

Toheeb Azeez: Oyindamola

Summary

The dialogue presents a domestic interaction centered around health, diet, lifestyle, and relationship dynamics between a couple. The conversation weaves humor, concern, and a focus on mutual support, reflecting on personal habits and shared goals regarding well-being.

• Domestic Partnership and Support:

  • The wife expresses a wish for the husband to assist her regularly in the kitchen, highlighting appreciation for his calm and helpful demeanor.
  • The husband emphasizes the desire for an “even marriage” where he might take the lead in cooking, particularly when he begins working with the Food and Agricultural Organization, but which challenges traditional and social norms.

• Health and Nutrition Concerns:

  • The husband critiques the use of bad oil, describing it as “rancid oil” that becomes blackened and thick from repeated use.
  • He explains scientifically that such oil generates free radicals, which can suppress the immune system and accelerate aging.
  • The husband highlights the potential dangers of consuming bad or hydrogenated oils, distinguishing between different types of oil and their health impacts.
  • Concerns are raised about personal health effects, as the husband mentions his six-pack abs deteriorating since moving in.

• Scientific and Lifestyle Exchange:

  • The couple jokes and argues scientifically about the qualities of cooking oil, indicating mutual engagement on health matters.
  • The wife also remarks on personal care related to hair loss, humorously questioning why the husband hasn’t used Finasteride or Minoxidil to combat DHT (dihydrotestosterone) effects.
  • The wife dismissively replies, saying she prefers her husband fit and bald, linking strength with natural appearance.

• Shared Goals for Fitness and Routine:

  • Both agree to start registering at the local gym to maintain physical fitness, emphasizing that they have each other "for long," suggesting longevity in their relationship.
  • The husband asks for a food timetable covering various food categories, underscoring the importance of diet variety.

• Financial and Relationship Trust Issues:

  • The wife mentions that money for foodstuffs must increase to accommodate new lifestyle changes.
  • There are references to past difficulties involving fines due to the husband’s inattentiveness while driving and suspicions of infidelity, revealing some mistrust.
  • The dialogue about football teams (Arsenal and Chelsea) is metaphorical, used humorously to critique each other’s preferences and attitudes.

• Household and External Context:

  • Complaints from neighbors about noise ("royal rumble") imply a noisy lifestyle, highlighting external pressures.
  • The smoke detector going off toward the conversation’s end introduces a note of unresolved tension and domestic unpredictability.

  
  

  Major Conclusions

  • Mutual respect and scientific dialogue between partners contribute positively to their relationship, especially around health and dietary choices.
  • Traditional norm challenge exposing to the clash with modern norms and push toward equality in marriage.
  • Health concerns related to poor-quality cooking oils are a significant point of contention, indicating awareness of nutrition's impact on wellness.
  • Commitment to joint fitness activities and improved diet signal a shared dedication to long-term well-being.
  • Despite moments of light-hearted teasing, underlying trust and financial challenges need ongoing navigation.
  • External factors such as neighbors’ complaints and household hazards (smoke detector) inject realism into their domestic life.

  
  

  #Edutainment #MarriageWahala #HealthEducation #HouseholdDrama #RelationshipRealTalk

This discourse was about GMOs, biosecurity, food sovereignty -lessons from Northern America to adapt for Africa food sovereignty, with the continent's food insecurity situation and weak regulation, and how unregulated/dangerous synthetic chemicals (pesticides/herbicides) and food manipulation procedures could have disastrous effects.

The guest Dr. Michelle Perro, is a veteran pediatrician with over 40 years' experience in acute and integrative medicine, focusing on environmental health, pesticides, and GMO advocacy, and children wellness. She has extensively lectured on these both locally and globally. She authored the books "Making our Children Well" and "What's Making Our Children Sick?: How Industrial Food Is Causing an Epidemic of Chronic Illness, and What Parents (and Doctors) Can Do about It". Based in Northern California, she runs Down to Earth Pediatrics and serves as Executive Director of @gmoscience (https://gmoscience.org/), focusing on restoring children’s health through food and reducing toxic exposures. We discussed the current food issues in N/America (the United States in particular), increasing disorders/diseases correlated with GMOs and associated chemicals, and the biosecurity/regulation of the food system. It was discussed vis-a-vis Africa's prevailing realities and Dr. Perro's books/works and about Africa, to advise on actionable ways to strengthen Africa's food system for safer, healthier and rich foods.

The conversation had special focus on children and African children in particular. 👶Fetuses and infants have developing immune system and dependent on their mothers -connected by placenta and breast-feeding.

There’s been reports of pesticides found in breast milk and milk formulas 🧑‍🍼. The chemicals have also been reported to cross blood-brain barrier in developing fetuses.

🦠Gut microbiome play a huge role in the developing immune system of foetuses and infants. However, pesticides, for instance glyphosate, has been shown to have antibiotic effects. Thus, capable of eradicating good microbes in the gut and promoting harmful microbes, leading to microbial imbalance and toxic actions.

🚨Also, when genetically modified microbes (GMMs) are passed on to foetuses and infants from their mothers, horizontal gene transfer can occur between the introduced microbes that may carry resistant genes and and those in the little beings.

‼️This all could pose risk and possibly lead to immune dysregulation and resistance to medications. The presence of these xenobiotics have been correlated to rise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic diseases, esp in children.

🧑‍🍼Children interact more with the environment, have broader surface area, and with increased temperature and attending perspiration promote increased absorption of sprayed pesticides accelerated by hot climate of the tropics, this make African and Nigerian children at particular risk.

Dr Michelle talked about what found researching GMOs and pesticides in Nigeria -GMOs adopted and commercialized, flooding the market unlabeled without proper verification of safety based on long-term and balanced study of safety, toxic agrochemicals (toxic at low conc) still sold in the market despite being banned, and also the international great lobby and local actors shoving down these food instruments in Nigeria.

The full conversation features many important topics:

✅ Broader definition of GMMs that’s often hidden and the potential risks

✅ Explanation on how modified microbes and pesticides could pose risks to children

✅ Alleged GMO Ginger and Nigeria export woe

✅ New threat -Glyphosate-Aluminium-Fluoride complex

✅ Pesticides & GMOs and Africa's food security

#DrMichellePerro #GMOScience #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #AfricaGMOs #GutHealth #Transgene #Microbiome #InfantHealth #SoilHealth #FoodTechnology #GeneticEngineering #GeneticallyModifiedMicrobes #NigerianChildren #AfricanChildren #FoodSovereignty

In this eye-opening episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most promising yet underdeveloped sectors in African agriculture — fish farming (aquaculture).

Despite Nigeria’s huge potential to become a major fish producer, the sector continues to struggle with low yields, high costs, disease outbreaks, and inefficient practices. A major reason? Extremely slow adoption of technology.

Joined by Kenechukwu Anoliefo, CTO of aquaSense+, we explore the real reasons why technology is still missing in most fish farms across Nigeria and Africa. From daily operational challenges faced by small and medium-scale farmers to the practical innovations that can transform the industry, this conversation uncovers both the hard truths and the hopeful pathways forward.

We discuss:

• Why fish farmers are still heavily dependent on manual methods
• The biggest barriers to technology adoption (beyond just cost)
• What “farmer-friendly” technology should look like in rural Africa
• Practical solutions that actually work on the ground
• The role of policy, investors, and farmers themselves in scaling innovation
• Honest lessons from building tech solutions for aquaculture

Whether you’re a fish farmer, agribusiness professional, policymaker, investor, or someone passionate about African agriculture and food security, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable ideas.

Guest: Kenechukwu Anoliefo – CTO, aquaSense+Listen now and share with every fish farmer and ag enthusiast you know! Follow The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast for more insightful conversations on African agriculture, agritech, and food systems.

#FishFarming #Aquaculture #Agritech #NigerianAgriculture #AfricanAgriculture #FoodSecurity #AgriTechNigeria #Nigeria#1AgriculturePodcast #aquasense+ #KenechukwuAnoliefo

Genetics and Technology for Better Fish Breeding in Nigeria – Insights from Nofima

In this insightful episode, we sit down with two leading experts from Nofima, one of the world’s top aquaculture research institutes in Norway:

• Dr. Anna Kristina Sonesson – Research Director in Genetics and Breeding

• Marie Lillehammer – Senior Researcher specializing in breeding program optimization

We explore how advanced genetics and breeding technologies can be practically applied to improve catfish farming in Nigeria. Topics include:

• Why genetics is critical for successful fish farming
• The hidden impact of inbreeding depression on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
• Practical tools and methods small-to-medium hatcheries can use
• How to balance local genetic diversity with improved strains
• Capacity building and advice for young Nigerians in aquaculture

Whether you’re a catfish farmer, hatchery owner, student, or aquaculture stakeholder, this episode offers valuable, actionable insights to help you produce stronger, healthier fish and improve your farm’s productivity.

#CatfishFarming #AquacultureNigeria #FishBreeding #GeneticsinAquaculture #BetterCatfishBreedNG #CatfishInbreeding #CatfishHatchery #AgriculturePodcast #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #Nofima #AnnaSonesson #MarieLillehammer #Norway #Nigeria #ImproveFishBreed #AquacultureInnovation

In this powerful and insightful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sat down with Michael Akinsete, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Ecotutu, a pioneering Nigerian cleantech company transforming cold chain infrastructure.

Widely known as “The Food Systems Guy,” Michael brings deep expertise and passion as he discussed practical ways to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges -the massive post-harvest losses that occur due to weak cold-chain logistics.

We dived deep into the staggering ₦3.5 to ₦5 trillion annual food waste crisis. The conversation examined how the lack of reliable cold chain infrastructure, erratic power supply, poor rural roads, high cost of conventional cold storage, and inefficient transportation systems cause large quantities of perishable produce -tomatoes, leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and root crops -to spoil before they reach the market. These losses lead to reduced incomes for smallholder farmers and aggregators, distress sales, higher food prices for consumers, increased malnutrition, and serious environmental consequences including wasted natural resources and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Michael explained how Ecotutu is changing the game with innovative solar-powered, off-grid cold storage solutions specifically designed for Nigeria’s challenging environment. He highlighted the company’s flexible “pay-as-you-chill” model, also known as Cooling as a Service, which makes cooling affordable and accessible. Instead of requiring heavy upfront capital, farmers and aggregators can pay only for the cooling space they actually use, making it much more practical for small and medium players in the value chain.

The episode features inspiring real-life success stories from farmers and traders who have significantly reduced their losses, increased their income, and improved the quality of their produce thanks to Ecotutu’s solutions.

Michael also discussed the versatility of the technology -the same solar-powered systems are being used to safely store vaccines, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies in off-grid and rural communities where electricity is unreliable.

Throughout the conversation, Michael spoke candidly about the real challenges of scaling clean technology in Nigeria, including financing difficulties, initial resistance from some farmers, supply chain issues, and the importance of community engagement to ensure long-term sustainability. He reflected on the lessons he has learned while building Ecotutu and the significance of being awarded the 2025 Nigerian Agripreneur of the Year by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos.

He also shared his thoughts on what is needed to scale resilient cold chains across the country -stronger government policies, innovative financing mechanisms such as grants and blended finance, and closer collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and farmer groups.

Michael closed with practical, actionable advice for smallholder farmers and aggregators on simple steps they can take to reduce losses, as well as valuable guidance for aspiring agritech entrepreneurs on how to develop sustainable, locally relevant solutions in Nigeria’s complex market.

Whether you are a farmer, aggregator, policymaker, investor, researcher, or anyone interested in food security, sustainable agriculture, cleantech, and climate solutions, this episode offers rich insights and genuine inspiration.

Guest: Michael Akinsete, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Ecotutu | 2025 Nigerian Agripreneur of the Year

Subscribe to The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast for more deep dives into agricultural innovation and food system transformation in Nigeria and beyond.

#PostHarvestLoss #ColdChainNigeria #FoodSecurity #AgritechNigeria #SolarCooling #PostHarvestLosses #Ecotutu #NigeriaAgriculture #FoodWaste #ClimateSmartFarming #MichaelAkinsete #SustainableAgriculture #SocialEntrepreneurship #HealthcareLogistics  #LasgidiFarmerPodcast

In this landmark inaugural episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we are privileged to host Professor Stella Olusola Odebode, Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development and current Head of Department at the University of Ibadan.

With more than four decades of experience in teaching, research, and policy, Professor Odebode is a foremost authority on gender analysis in agriculture, women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, and the integration of digital technologies in extension services.

Her work has influenced generations of extension workers and shaped gender-responsive policies at the University of Ibadan and beyond.

In this rich and insightful conversation, Professor Odebode reflects on her journey in the field and shares expert perspectives on some of the most pressing issues in Nigerian agriculture today.

We explore:

• What digital extension truly means in the Nigerian context and how mobile technologies, data analytics, and digital tools are transforming the delivery of agricultural advisory services.
• The persistent challenges of connectivity, digital literacy, and access faced by smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth in rural communities.
• The critical and often under-recognized role of women in Nigerian agriculture, including the major gender gaps that still exist in land access, credit, technology, and extension support.
• Practical success stories from her extensive research on women cooperatives, sweet potato processing for income generation, home gardening, and other livelihood improvement initiatives.
• How traditional extension methods can effectively combine with modern digital approaches to create more inclusive systems.
• Her vision for the future of agricultural extension in Nigeria by 2035, and what universities and policymakers must do to prepare the next generation of extension professionals.
• Valuable advice for students and young graduates aspiring to build careers in digital extension or gender-focused agricultural development.

This episode goes beyond theory to offer real-world insights and actionable recommendations for making agricultural technology work for everyone, especially rural women who form the backbone of food production in Nigeria.

Whether you are an extension worker, researcher, student, policymaker, or a farmer seeking better support systems, this conversation provides deep understanding and inspiration for building a stronger, more inclusive Nigerian agricultural sector.

Guest:
Professor Stella Olusola Odebode
Professor of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development
Head of Department, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
University of Ibadan

This marks the official launch of our recurring podcast series, which will feature leading academics, researchers, and practitioners from the University of Ibadan and beyond.

Follow The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast for more thought-provoking discussions on agricultural extension, innovation, gender, and rural development in Nigeria.

#DigitalExtension #WomeninAgriculture #WomenFarmers #GenderInequality #RuralFarmers #SmallholderFarmers #WomenParticipation #DigitalAgriculture #FarmingPodcast #AgriculturePodcast #Top10FarmingPodcast #Top10AgriculturePodcast #Top100FarmingPodcast #NigerianPodcast #AfricanPodcast #AfricanAgriculture #AgriculturalTechnology #Agritech #AgriculturalExtension #RuralDevelopment #UniversityofIbadan #ProfessorStellaOdebode #StellaOdebode #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #AgInisghts #AgriculturalAdvisory #WomenEmpowerment #DigitalInfrastructure #FinancialInclusion #NigeriaForemostAgriculturePodcast #AfricaForemostAgriculturePodcast #NigerianAgriculturalStudents #NigerianStudents #ExtensionAgents #CommunicationforDevelopment #WomenParticipationinFarming

In this timely and insightful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sit down with Professor Olugbenga O. AdeOluwa, Professor of Soil Fertility and Organic Agriculture at the University of Ibadan and Coordinator of the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN).

Titled “GMOs in Nigeria: Promise or Poison?”, this conversation explores one of the most important debates in Nigerian agriculture today.

Professor AdeOluwa breaks down the science behind genetically modified organisms - including transgenic, cisgenic, and gene-edited crops -and examines both the promised benefits and the key concerns surrounding their adoption in Nigeria.

The discussion covers potential health and environmental risks, issues of seed sovereignty, corporate influence, and the challenges of regulation and traceability in the Nigerian context.

He also shares practical alternatives, highlighting conventional breeding, marker-assisted selection, agroecology, and organic farming as sustainable pathways that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term food security.

Drawing from over two decades of research and advocacy, Professor AdeOluwa addresses common misconceptions about organic agriculture and offers clear recommendations for policymakers, farmers, and consumers who want safer, more resilient food systems.

Whether you support GMOs, have concerns, or are still forming your opinion, this episode provides balanced, evidence-based perspectives to help you think critically about the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

Key Topics Covered:

• The scientific differences between types of GMOs
• Health, environmental, and socioeconomic considerations
• Seed sovereignty and corporate control
• Regulatory and infrastructural challenges in Nigeria
• Why agroecology and organic farming matter
• Practical actions for individuals and policymakers

Listen now and join the conversation.

What are your thoughts on GMOs in Nigeria? Leave your opionion in the comments. We'd love to hear from you.

The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast: Educating. Enlightening. Empowering Nigerian Agriculture.

#GMOs #FoodSecurity #OrganicFarming #Agroecology #SustainableAgriculture #NigeriaAgriculture

Summary

This conversation delves into the appraisal and analysis of the Nigerian agriculture budget for 2025-2026, focusing on its implications for farmers, food security, and the overall economy. The discussion features insights from agricultural professionals on the effectiveness of past budgets, the importance of accountability, and the need for strategic investments in the agricultural sector. Key themes include the role of smallholder farmers, cottage industries significance, value addition, post harvest losses, mechanization, purchasing power of the budget, the necessity for fiscal responsibility, disbursement matching allocation, and local and state governments focus.

Moderators:

• Toheeb Azeez, Founder & CEO of Heebgrow Foods and The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast

• Alfred Ukane, Founder Chuvaak Agro Services & CEO Melora Farms

• Afeez Olumide Garuba, Founder Voice of The Farmers

Guest Speakers

• Oluwaseun Adeyemi (Seun): Wealth management professional at CI Financial in Canada.

• Jerry Tobi Olanrewaju: Jet Farms & Agro Solutions Ltd, Founder of Farm2C Africa, & D’More Food and Spices (nutrition-focused value addition).

Background

This is a sequel, 2nd Edition, to the first of its kind and edition held last year 2025 appraising the Nigerian agriculture budget.

This event sought to promote 2026 agriculture budget productivity, effectiveness, performance, and impact by appraising the previous year's budget and performance, learning from what failed, what worked and adapting lessons for current one.

One failure highlighted was disbursement not matching allocation and important projects starved of critical funds but while ambiguous items seized funds and never executed.

The discussion also analyzed the present budget which nearly doubled from last year reaching 1.45 trillion and with greater percentage share of the national budget.

We deliberated on whether this budget increase had much to offer and also the real purchasing power of the budget looking at different macroeconomic indices -inflation, exchange rates and production cost, etc. -from last year, and deduced that despite a higher exchange rates the purchasing power was still better with stable rates but considered the implication of importation of important inputs for farming not manufactured locally.

The budget failing to attain recommendation percentage was underscored but the increase was lauded, however, productive use of funds was emphasized.

We also looked at the incredible budgets items for instance the Renewed Hope, agric ministry HQ construction and thought the funds could be redirected to cottage industries, value addition and addressing wastages, mechanization and extension.

The need for long planning, policy transition, and accountability focusing on local government and state chapter of federal agriculture ministry were stressed.

Takeaways

• The 2025/26 Nigerian agriculture budget aims to enhance food security and support farmers.
• Accountability in budget allocation is crucial for effective implementation.
• Cottage industries can significantly improve farmers' profitability.
• Cold chain development is essential to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Investment in agriculture must focus on practical outcomes for smallholder farmers.
• The government should prioritize fiscal responsibility in budget management.
• Agricultural policies need to be consistent and long-term to be effective.
• Local governments play a vital role in agricultural development and must be held accountable.
• The budget should reflect the needs of farmers and not be politicized.
• Collaboration between government and private sectors is necessary for agricultural growth.

Sound bites

"We need to focus on industrialization."

"The budget is good, but we can do more."

"We need a 25-year agricultural plan."

This was an urgent conversation to address the ongoing cocoa crisis where prices have plummeted and cocoa farmers, especially in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, have been most affected and unable to sell their stocks, which have had significant impacts on their livelihoods and lives.

We attempted at the causal factors of the crisis but also perused the differences in impact experienced by the Ghanaian cocoa farmers and Cote d’Ivoire cocoa farmers as lamentation in the public were mostly by the former.

In 2022, Cocoa price at the international market was $2,000. The price began seeing sharp rise with severe disease outbreaks –swollen shoot virus and black pod disease –that affected cocoa production and harvest. This was worsened by poor weather conditions (El-nino).

Cocoa requires moderate temperature for proper growth, and fermentation of seeds. Aging and low productive trees and production method added to these issues to constrain cocoa supply. This created scarcity for price rally –the largest cocoa global supply deficit in 60yrs.

With apprehension and speculations price reached $10,000 in early 2024 and exceeded $12,000 by April 2024, a record high of over 117% not seen in the last 50yrs. However, price hassince dropped 60% in past year to about $3,700 today. This while low is still above the $2,000 price at the onset of the rally.

Farmers that have stock when the prices were high and still have stocks today when price is $3,700 above 2022's $2,000 are still unable to get buyers for their commodities.

Africa produces 90% of the world’s cocoa, and Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana are the largest producers representing 70%of global productions. Thus, it can be seen how a dampened market would affect them.

Cote d’Ivoire produces the most cocoa with over 2 million tonnes and with Ghana coming 2nd with 860,000 tonnes.However, Ghanaian farmers complained most with the cocoa crisis. The host Toheeb Azeez asked Co-host Gbenga why this.

Gbenga explained it had to do with the different modes of financing where for Cote d’Ivoire the government buys the cocoa from the farmers but that of Ghana is paid for by international lenders and aggregators through collateralized purchase of future exports and fresh harvest. The international lenders provide syndicate loans mediated by the Ghana Cocoa Commodity Board (COCOBOD) and where the government stands in as surety.

The international lenders provide about $2 billion credit for Ghana cocoa farmers yearly. It enables and sustains production and creates a ready, stable market for the farmers.However, as the market plummeted the buyers refused to buy and where many have faulted the lenders for ceasing to buy, saying if prices had gone higher but the cocoa beans already collateralized and purchased at lower prices the agreement would still stand.

International buyers refused to buy Ghana’s cocoa to higher prices, with a normalized market where supply improved with the weather now favourable and countries as Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria improving productions and retailing at lower prices. A speculative strategy led by COCOBOD's price hike, speculators exiting, strengthened currency making Ghana cocoa less attractive to buyers, etc. left the farmers in a bad shape. The board now has a total debt of GH₵ 31.9 billion.

We however called out that this does not justify price injustice to farmers. Farmers wailed despite price rally to highest peak for a year and half. The cocoa farmers realize less than a dollar a day. Ghanaian farmers consistently received lower than 40% of market value for cocoa during the global price surge.

We deliberated on the place for justice, equality and indigenous processing to trap in earnings, and a restructured market serving Africa and especially Nigeria, where Africa consumes $3.3 million tonnes of chocolate worth $16 billion and Nigeria $40 million chocolate. Also whether Ghana pulling out from international financing and reengineering local financing could work.

Summary

In this conversation, Toheeb Azeez (host) and Adekanmi Adesuyi (Sam, the Guest) discuss the evolving economic landscape between Nigeria and Canada, emphasizing the importance of global engagement, agricultural practices, and the need for youth involvement in farming. The dialogue explores the challenges faced by Nigeria's economy, the lessons that can be learned from Canada's economic and agricultural successes, and the potential for strengthening trade relations between the two countries. The dialogue highlights the significance of innovative practices and infrastructure investment in addressing food security and economic growth. Also discussed were the potential for trade and collaboration between Nigeria and Canada, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to achieve food self-sufficiency and local production before focusing on exports and partnerships. The conversation highlighted the importance of energy collaboration, technological exchange, and the role of the private sector in driving agricultural growth. Sam stressed the necessity of consistent agricultural policies and innovation to improve productivity and create a sustainable economy. He advocates for a strong public-private partnership to harness Nigeria's resources effectively and build a robust agricultural sector.

Background

This conversation explored the Canadian and Nigerian Agrifood Markets and opportunities for collaborations.

The conversation is timely as Nigeria begins to engage globally, opening a historic sovereign pavilion, the Nigerian House Davos at the World Economic Forum 2026, where it seeks investments and partnerships but one founded on respect and mutual benefits.

Canada appears a suitable candidate professing such ethos seeking new partnerships, with trade hostilities from the United States.

Nigeria and Canada have much in common, endowed with resources, powerhouses for oil and agricultural productions and exports powering the world economy, beautiful, multicultural and strategically positioned attracting visits and investments.These features also make them ground of geopolitical concern and influence and susceptible to global economic disruptions.The geopolitical conflicts, trade war, energy insecurity, and domestic issues -political instability and rising nationalism, inflation, interest rates and infrastructure gap are impacting production landscape and affecting food systems, output and demand. This conversation looked at factors shaping events in respective countries and their effects, what can be learnt and adopted, to build resilience, and also cement and boost trade between both countries that already conduct bilateral trade, one valued at $3.5 billion.

Sound Bites

"We need to build ourselves."

"We can build unimaginable things in Nigeria."

"We have to have what we want to give -negotiating from a place of value is better."

"No one is coming to save us. Only Africa will develop Africa."

"Government must find a way to make private sector work."

"In other climes governments depend on businesses, but here businesses depend on governments."

#GlobalEngagement #Nigeria #WorldEconomicForum #InternationalRelations #Respect #Dignity #Partnerships #Podcast #EngageWithUs #Innovation #Canada #EconomicGrowth #Collaboration #Farming #Podcast #SustainableDevelopment #JoinTheConversation #SocialInclusion #Podcast #EconomicJustice #ListenAndShare #Future #Leadership #YourThoughts #AgrifoodMarket #Agribusiness #PublicPrivatePartnerships #ArtificialIntelligence #CreativeEconomy #EnergySecurity #Insecurity #MarketCarneyDavosSpeech #MiddlePowers

Summary

This conversation explores the intersection of health, nutrition, and lifestyle, focusing on the pressing health crises in Nigeria, including non-communicable diseases and infectious diseases. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nutrition in disease prevention, the impact of lifestyle choices on health, particularly fertility, and the role of community education and government in promoting healthy practices. Practical steps for healthier living are also highlighted, including dietary changes and the importance of gut health.

Background

Nigeria grapples with persistent infectious diseases (malaria, cholera, Lassa fever, STIs, etc.) and a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, prostate cancer, hormonal imbalances).

Life expectancy hovers at 54 to 56 years far below global averages while NCDs drive massive economic losses through productivity drops, catastrophic household costs, and premature deaths.

Malnutrition worsens it all, about 32% of children under 5 are stunted, nearly 2 million face severe acute malnutrition (SAM), exclusive breastfeeding is only 29-34%, and undernutrition among women of reproductive age contributes to Nigeria's high maternal mortality share.

Also, men face particular risks from prostate cancer, heart disease, and diabetes often linked to lifestyle and late detection, while women bear heavy burdens from hormonal issues, infertility (10-30% of couples), and maternal deaths tied to undernutrition.

Early nutritional gaps combined with modern lifestyle factors (sedentary habits, processed diets, stress, social dynamics) fuel these interconnected risk, however, change is possible through evidence-based action.

Our Guest Olubukola Poopola helps to understand these issues and address them.

She is the Founder, CEO & Lead Trainer of a specialized club, Top-Total Fitness & Wellness dedicated to helping expectant and aspiring mothers achieve optimal reproductive health, through tailored routines, nutritional guidance, and wellness coaching, she has supported numerous women and men on their journey to conception and healthy pregnancy.

Olubukola is a dynamic professional with a strong academic and practical background in Animal Products and Processing. She earned both her BSc and MSc degrees in this field, with focused research on improving the quality, safety, and sustainability of nutrients dense foods, she proceeded into obtaining a sound knowledge of Nutrition.

Over the years, she has co-authored more than 13 journal articles indexed on Google Scholar, working collaboratively on high-impact research that spans animal biotechnology, food processing innovations, and sustainable livestock practices.

Her work bridges the gap between science and society -integrating evidence-based knowledge from animal science with practical applications in human health and wellbeing. Her unique blend of scientific rigor and community engagement continues to make a meaningful impact, both in academic circles and in the lives of everyday people.

Takeaways

1. Nigeria faces a dual health crisis of infectious & non-communicable diseases.
2. Malnutrition significantly impacts childhood development & health outcomes.
3. Lifestyle factors, including diet & exercise, contribute to rising health issues.
4. Nutrition plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system.
5. Community education is vital for promoting healthy eating habits.
6. Government policies should support access to nutritious food.
7. Gut health is essential for overall well-being and nutrient absorption.
8. Reducing refined carbohydrates can help prevent chronic diseases.
9. Exercise should be balanced to avoid hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.
10. Parents play a key role in instilling healthy habits in children.

Title: WEF 26 & State of the Globe -A new World Order

Cohost: Olugbenga Aderemi-Williams

Summary

In this conversation, Toheeb Azeez & Gbenga Aderemi-Williams discuss Trumps' intent to take Greenland and the implications, Trump's Board of Peace initiative, the geopolitical shifts in global alliances, and the challenges faced by the U.S. in maintaining its influence. The dialogue also touches on the significance of the World Economic Forum, world inequality, and Nigeria's efforts to engage on the global stage, highlighting the complexities of international relations and the need for economic reform. In this conversation, Toheeb and Gbenga discuss various pressing issues in Nigeria, including the urgent need for infrastructure and education, the importance of cultural representation, and the potential for tourism to drive economic growth. They also address the impact of social media on content creation, the challenges facing agriculture and food security, and the necessity of collaboration within communities. Furthermore, the conversation touches on globalization, multiculturalism, nationalism, and immigration issues, AI, space mission, hunger poverty and unemployment, and geopolitical tensions in Somalia, highlighting the interconnectedness of these topics and the need for proactive solutions.

Takeaways

• The Board of Peace is seen as a tool for Trump to gain wealth.
• Trump's Greenland ambitions have faced significant political backlash.
• European countries are moving towards a multipolar world order.
• The U.S. is losing its influence in global politics.
• Peace agreements brokered by Trump are fragile and often superficial.
• Davos serves as a platform for the elite, often criticized for hypocrisy.
• Nigeria's engagement in Davos reflects a shift towards global business.
• The importance of addressing human capital in Nigeria's development.
• International organizations often prioritize the interests of powerful nations.
• Trust in U.S. leadership is diminishing among global partners. Urgent actions are needed in Northern Nigeria to address crises.
• Fundamentals like education and infrastructure are crucial for development.
• Cultural representation is vital for improving Nigeria's global image.
• Tourism has the potential to significantly boost Nigeria's economy.
• Social media content often glorifies negative behavior.
• AI is displacing jobs and changing the employment landscape.
• Globalization is facing pushback in developed countries.
• Immigration policies need to be reevaluated for better outcomes.
• Geopolitical tensions in Somalia are influenced by external powers.
• Collaboration within communities is essential for national development.

Sound bites

"We need to get those fundamentals right."

"We are exporting our culture, our food."

"AI is taking a lot of people's jobs."

• Unlocking SME Growth: Strategies for Success

• Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Summary

This conversation delves into the intricacies of starting and sustaining small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It highlights the importance of having a clear vision, understanding the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the necessity of proper funding and structure. The discussion emphasizes the need for resilience, accountability, and the ability to adapt and validate business ideas. Additionally, it covers the significance of joining relevant associations to leverage resources and knowledge for business growth.

Takeaways

• Starting a business today is much easier than before.
• A clear vision and mission are essential for success.
• Survival is not a sustainable business strategy.
• Entrepreneurs must be ready to face challenges and insults.
• Understanding the problem your business solves is crucial.
• Accountability in business operations is necessary for funding.
• Joining associations can provide valuable resources and support.
• Documenting operations ensures consistency and quality.
• Focus on cash flow and customer service for growth.
• Extraordinary businesses are built by ordinary people with strong procedures.

Background

For many who are into business, starting a new business today would be much easier than some few years back.

If they knew all they know now through the years or knew better, their businesses could have started out better and much easier.

They had to learn everything and do things painstakingly.

While as you create business and must the do hard works and have your own unique experiences that shape your approach, would you have to go through what there is already structured process for and with much likelihood of results, backdrop of learnings from repeated experiences of other people?

The episode shares insights about about fast-tracking SMEs' growth. Ensuring the fundamentals in the founding days and setting up operation for efficiency, effectiveness and viability.

It proffers answers to the questions: How should a small business start, what should it look like, what should be the big picture, what are the things to put in place in the early phase and inculcate at every step to ensure attraction of the right resources, consistent results and sustainable growth?

The Guest, Business Coach Adebisi Adeeko is an experienced business professional with 16 years experience in the field, has undertaken businesses at different levels, worked with diverse organizations to structure and execute strategy and projects for impact, coached, mentored and trained entrepreneurs, and thus have empowered many youths and women.

Sound Bites

"Survival is not a strategy for business."

"What problem is your business solving?"

"You must be ready to take insults."

#TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #SMEs # BusinessGrowth #Startup #Accelerator # BusinessinNigeria #BusinessStructure #BusinessSystem #BusinessManagement #Grow #Scale #Sustainability #BusinessAdvice #HowRunABusiness #Entreperneuership #Entrepreneur #MSME #Africa #Nigeria #EmergingMarket #DevelopingEconomies

In this powerful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sat with Jacob Oluwayanmife Abiodun, founder and CEO of Coconoto, a trailblazing climate-smart agritech company revolutionizing Nigeria's coconut value chain by turning abundant agricultural waste into sustainable, high-value products.

Nigeria, the world's 19th largest coconut producer with over 270,000 metric tonnes annually (projected to reach 500,000 MT by 2025), wastes around 40% of its harvest while burning shells that pollute the environment and importing $21 million worth of derivatives like cocopeat each year.

Despite a domestic cocopeat market valued at $4.67 million and a global market exploding toward $16.8 billion by 2034, Nigeria captures just 0.11% of that global share, highlighting massive untapped potential for local production, import substitution, job creation, and export growth.

Jacob, a mechanical engineer from Federal University of Technology Akure, shares his inspiring journey: from an unexpected pivot into agriculture, building patented dehusking and deshelling machines, to establishing the Cococycle Hub that processes coconut husks into premium cocopeat (ideal for soilless/hydroponic farming with superior water retention, nutrient release, aeration, drainage, and antimicrobial properties), cocofibre, and upcoming biodegradable Cocopot bioplastics via his innovative "Odd Fusion" process.

The conversation covers Jacob's resilience -bouncing back from the #Fuze Talent Show rejection (viewed as valuable feedback), personal setbacks like an accident, yet scaling production from 20kg to 200kg weekly, stocking over 2 tons of husks, generating more than ₦2 million in revenue, launching the Coconoto marketplace, expanding cocofibre sales, introducing CocoDrinkEat, and growing a vibrant community.

Key highlights include:

• The science and impact of upcycling waste to reduce pollution and empower horticulturists/farmers

• Barriers to a self-sufficient value chain (infrastructure, policy, finance) and untapped opportunities beyond cocopeat (e.g., coir, fertilizers, activated carbon)

• Why building indigenous, scalable tech beats importing equipment for addressing crude methods and enabling exports

• Role of public-private partnerships in stabilizing prices, lowering costs, and benefiting smallholder farmers' livelihoods

• Lessons from global leaders (India, Indonesia, Malaysia) on ecosystem shifts for high-quality, export-ready products

• Coconoto's 5 to 10 year vision: expanding across Africa, penetrating global markets, driving eco-friendly farming, and creating widespread jobs and opportunities

This episode is a must-listen for farmers, agritech entrepreneurs, sustainability advocates, policymakers, and anyone passionate about waste-to-wealth, circular economy, and building Africa's agricultural self-sufficiency.

Tune in now on Spotify. Subscribe to The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast (also on YouTube) for more insights on food, agriculture, and development in Nigeria and beyond!

#CoconutValueChain #WasteToWealth #AgritechNigeria #Cocopeat #SustainableFarming #Coconoto #NigeriaAgriculture #ImportSubstitution #EcoFriendly

In this episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sat down with Thara Aisha Atta, Founder and CEO of Trashformas Nigeria Limited, to discuss her work converting agricultural wastes such as animal manure and crop residues into clean, affordable biogas for cooking and sustainable energy.

Thara opens with her assessment of biogas prospects in Nigeria and Africa: While the global biogas market exceeds $100 billion and is projected to surpass $200 billion by 2034, Africa has nearly 120,000 plants (with Nigeria holding ~39% of the share), yet the continent represents just 2% globally.

She highlights growing momentum from government focus on vehicular fuel alternatives, increasing demand for clean energy, and biomethane opportunities, stressing that true sustainability comes from viewing agricultural waste as a reliable resource rather than relying on infrastructure gaps to generate more waste.

We explore the origin story of Trashformas: The name cleverly combines "trash" and "transform," reflecting Thara's mission to solve real pain points in biogas distribution and affordability.

Driven by a deep passion for impact and sustainability, she founded the company despite early setbacks like an unacknowledged presentation to a ministry proving that great ideas often start disregarded but persist through persistence and love for the work.

Thara clarifies what biogas truly is: Produced via anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes, it captures methane (a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO₂ in the short term) and converts it into clean energy.

She addresses environmental debates, noting that preventing methane emissions from decomposing waste is a net climate positive, even as CO₂ is discussed more due to its longer atmospheric lifespan and dominance in energy emissions.

Comparing biogas to LNG amid Nigeria's vast over 210 TCF gas reserves and rising production, Thara explains biogas's distinct advantages: It's decentralized, renewable, reduces waste pollution, supports rural energy access, and offers environmental health benefits by avoiding fossil fuel extraction impacts, positioning it as a complementary, greener substitute rather than direct competitor.

On feedstock challenges with Nigeria generating over 144 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, Thara details how variability in composition, contaminants, logistics, and competition affect consistency and costs.

Trashformas circumvents this through strategic contractual partnerships with farms: Providing inputs, ensuring quality standards, and building reliable clusters for predictable supply, quantity, and quality, enabling affordable production and retailing.

We discuss funding realities in Nigeria's waste-to-energy sector: high capital costs (₦7–14 million for small plants) pose barriers, but Trashformas has leveraged wins like the ₦15 million prize as first runner-up on Fund It Forward and other innovative approaches to scale.

Thara outlines Trashformas' unique value proposition: Targeting schools, institutions, and households with convenient pre-filled biogas cylinders to overcome distribution hurdles, differentiating from small-scale plants.

She highlights value chain opportunities for students and entrepreneurs, from production to distribution and maintenance. Aligning with government initiatives for off-grid power in tertiary institutions and energy diversification (including CNG), Thara shares what more support is needed: better financing access, policy incentives, and ecosystem building to help existing producers scale and encourage new entrants.

Reflecting on the biggest challenges in building Trashformas (fianance) Thara shares their challenges and innovative solutions they adopted: partnership, focus on purpose and developing capacity and also applying for opportunities.

Looking to 2030, Thara outlines ambitious goals for scaling impact, expanding users base, growing revenue, and contributing to Nigeria's emergence as a biogas powerhouse.

We held this urgent space on the currently ongoing Venezuela crisis and escalating geopolitics, and what it means for the sovereignty, development, energy and food security of the countries in the global south, and for and peace and prosperity of the world at large.

At the onset of Trump’s 2nd presidency we had discussed about what the state of the world and global food security would be ( check Episode 15) with Trump’s ethos of America First, techno-nationalism, re-industrialization of Western Europe and North America (United States, Canada and Greenland) and space mission averse to actions to arrest and reverse global warming and climate change to shun Davos and the defunding of international institutions enabling cooperation and protecting weaker nations.

We also had a separate, in-depth conversation on “Slavery, Colonialism, Imperialism & the Nigerian Agriculture -Impact, Legacy & Neo-form.” ( Check Episode 14).

It helps to see and grasp how historical events shaped and continue to shape issues today, especially for Africa and the developing world, their food system and development.

The world has drastically changed since our discussion on Trump’s 2nd presidency, and thus we reconvened and revisited what we had discussed, assess the state of things now, what more to unfold, and the fate of weaker nations with, a different United States' foreign policy with relating with rest of the world and a failing UN.

#venezuelacrisis #unitedstates #presidenttrump #latinamerica #sovereigntythreat #geopolitics #maduro #transition #humanrights #UNCharter #InternationalLaw

This podcast episode deliberated on the need for simple, responsive, and effective research-to-policy pathways to address Nigeria’s agricultural challenges, such as food security, rural poverty, and economic diversification.

Policies are deliberate ways to bring about development. When evidence-based, policies more likely yield positive outcomes and impacts.

Thorough research births evidence that guides policies when considered.

Much of the development failures today are of policies, the failure to incorporate research.

Extension Practice conducts a series of important researches crucial for sustainable development. However, there is often a gap between policy and practice and which in turn affects development, for different reasons.

It was therefore the rationale for this discourse, to unravel and remedy constraints and ensure better coordination, alignment, and translation.

Prof. Akinbile, A Professor of Agricultural Extension, University of Ibadan, understanding this, in his recent Inaugural Lecture at the University of Ibadan, emphasized the need for sustainable reforms to energize agricultural development programmes and also agricultural extension delivery system in Nigeria.

It is understood the importance of agricultural extension to agricultural development, however, agricultural extension is not performing to expectations given less focus and (even when it could guide policy) suffers from policy inattention.

Professor Luqman has conducted extensive research in this area, including studies on household economy roles, rural women’s time budgeting, indigenous credit associations, and socio-economic status scales, which provided evidence-based insights that informed agricultural policies.

Aside from the field of research, he has also been involved in influencing and formulating policies for development, with his leadership roles, such as his presidency of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria and membership in the University of Ibadan’s Senate Curriculum Committee.

The academic, research and leadership experiences thus brought richness to the discourse and entailed not just discussion on Policy & Practice but also from a practical lens.

NTA Close Flow with Toheeb Azeez: Planning for a New Future - Can Agriculture become Nigeria's new Oil.

Our Founder & CEO, Toheeb Azeez was on NTA 2 Lagos on the Close Flow show to discuss Agritech & Youth Employment.

The Nigerian Youth population is going to reach 70 million by 2030.

It would form over 26% of a 260 million projected Nigerian population in that year.

Currently, there are 13 million unemployed youths of the nation.
This figure could even climb higher with an envisaged bigger Nigerian and youth populations.
Youth unemployment costs Nigeria $10 billion economic loss yearly.

Agriculture could gainfully employ this number of unemployed youths and 7 million more (according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation).

It already employs 35% of the nation’s workforce, provides livelihood for vast majority of the rural inhabitants, the rural youths inclusive.

However, agriculture in the nation is still largely being practiced in a traditional, boring and unproductive way, that impedes the opportunities in the sector and discourages youth participation.
Technology enhances processes that yields better outcomes, and enables value chain development, which creates enticing opportunities for youth participation.

Other than get dirty and tired working the soil with hoes and cutlasses, youth rather farm with tractor and other advance tools, incorporate data, AI, robotics, IoTs, cloud computing, blockchain and distributed ledgers, and biotechnology, e.t.c. for digitial, precision and smart agriculture, efficiently utilizing inputs to generate greater results.

This way, jobs are not only created for the youths but entrepreneurship is sparked in them where they create solutions and employ more people. ThriveAgric, Precision Field Academy and Releaf Earth (YC W19) are good examples.

Nigeria has an aging farming population and her total population would reach 400 million in 25 years.

Youth participation complementing and replacing agricultural skill and workforce -and with their savviness and creative ability with -and technology in agriculture can help meet this future food needs.

Estimating Nigerian proportion of African agritech against a $100bn future estimate of agritech contritubtions to African agriculture market, agritech could inject $24bn yearly into the Nigeria agriculture market, when properly harnessed.

This is why agritech is important to the Nigerian economy but, however, is being held back by constraints -for instance, finance, infrastructure, skill gap, policy, etc.

Even when the Nigeria Agritech constitutes 25% of the total African agritech funding, the latter is just less than 2% of a $16bn global Agritech funding, and agritech represents just 4.8% of Nigeria’s tech startups.

Works are are being done by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, with policies (Agriculture Promotion Policy, National AI Strategy), 3MTT Nigeria and even private bodies to build critical infrastructure and talents to spur agritech and achieves 85% digital farming.
However, there’s is need for more and rapid work.

Our Founder & CEO, Toheeb Azeez was a Guest on Farmlife TV on NTA 10 to discuss on the topic: Farming in Nigeria - Prospects & Challenges.

At the interview he stressed the need to significantly raise agriculture budget to unleash growth of the Nigerian agriculture and promote food security.

Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to agriculture in 2024 grew by 55.9% from previous year (thanks to increased national budget) but saw a 0.21% decrease in proportional share of national budget and with recurrent expenditure taking 30.4%.

Also, the agriculture allocation is just 1.2% and fails to meet a 10% proportion of national budget to drive growth recommended at the Maputo declaration by African states.

Fund is one of the leading constraints holding the sector back; the nation’s agriculture sector currently suffers a $9bn funding gap despite its importance.

Agriculture has not only proven to be efficient with allocations but also productive, giving multiple returns per investment.

In 2024, it generated $93.75bn (179 folds) in revenue that contributed 25% of Nigeria’s GDP from a $523m allocation which was among the lowest sectoral allocations.

It could do more with an increase not just in sum but also percentage allocation and in line with the recommended, and complemented with thoughtful and result-oriented disbursement.

Toheeb also advised the need for states to leverage their strength which helps to address food insecurity in individual states, corroborate federal government’s effort, and reduce pressure at the centre.

From $70B Trade Deficit to Diaspora Boom: Unlocking African Agrifood Exports with Seller Africa

Summary:
In this powerful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we unpack Africa’s trade paradox with Seyi Dipo-Ogunleye, PR & Marketing Specialist at Seller Africa, the e-commerce platform connecting African SMEs to global buyers.

Africa’s merchandise trade surged 13.9% to $1.5 trillion in 2024 after a 6.3% drop in 2023, yet the continent still closed the year with a $70 billion deficit.

Nigeria posted a ₦7.46 trillion surplus in Q2 2025 (+44.4% QoQ), while agrifood exports soared 300%+ to ₦884 billion in Q3 2024.

But the continent faces a $30 billion agrifood trade deficit, despite agriculture being its economic backbone.

Seyi reveals how Seller Africa turns this tide:

• Bridging supply chain chaos, rejections (e.g., Nigerian beans, smoked fish), spoilage, and inconsistent quality through e-commerce-driven SOPs and real-time market linkage.
• Trapping value in Africa: Helping SMEs move beyond raw cocoa (95% of global output, just 13% of $150B market) into branded, culture-rich products.
• Countering cultural appropriation: where foreign firms rebrand African staples and outcompete locals, by empowering sellers with authenticity, equity, and diaspora-first strategies.
• Leveraging the 350 million-strong African diaspora (sending $53 billion in remittances) and rising global love for African cuisine to fuel SME growth.

From why culture is Seller Africa’s secret weapon to government policy fixes for a thriving export ecosystem, this episode is a masterclass in turning trade deficits into diaspora-driven prosperity.

Key Highlights:

• Why Africa earns lesser from agrifood exports and how Seller Africa flips the script.
• E-commerce as the antidote to supply failures, value loss, and middleman exploitation.
• Real strategies for SMEs to outmaneuver cultural appropriators and dominate diaspora markets.
• Actionable advice for exporters: mindsets, tools, and rapid global entry tactics.
• A bold call to African governments: Build the infrastructure for a $100B+ agrifood export future.

Guest: Seyi Dipo-Ogunleye, PR & Marketing Specialist, Seller Africa
Host: The Lasgidi Farmer
Duration: [50:09]

Listen now! Because the future of African wealth is not in raw beans or cocoa pods. It is in productivity, value addition, story, infrastructure, culture, connection, and digital command.

This Episode is with FarmX, a digital agriculture and logistics platform, represented by its CEO and COO, Igbokwe Marvis and Adeosun Victor.

Title

• Agricultural & Livelihood Transformation through Equitable Digital Supply Chain.

Summary

This conversation delves into the critical role of digital supply chains in enhancing food security and empowering farmers. The discussion highlights the mission of FarmX, a platform designed to connect farmers directly with buyers, thereby eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair pricing. Key topics include the challenges faced by farmers, the importance of logistics in reducing costs, and the need for trust in agricultural transactions. The speakers emphasize the significance of technology in creating equitable markets and the potential for scaling agricultural innovations across Africa.

Takeaways

• Food security is crucial for both farmers and consumers.

• A transparent supply chain ensures fair pricing for farmers and consumers.

• Digital supply chains can reduce food waste and improve efficiency.

• FarmX aims to connect farmers directly with buyers, eliminating middlemen.

• Logistics is a major cost factor for farmers; efficient systems can reduce this.
• Farmers can set their own prices on the FarmX platform.
• Empowering farmers leads to better margins and sustainable practices.
• Trust is essential in agricultural transactions to prevent fraud.
• Scaling requires partnerships and a focus on infrastructure.
• The future of agriculture in Africa relies on indigenous solutions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Food Security and Supply Chain

15:10 Understanding FarmX and Its Mission

22:08 Exploring Digital Supply Chains

30:40 Addressing Challenges in Agricultural Supply Chains

34:56 Logistics and Cost Reduction Strategies

38:04 Empowering Farmers Through Direct Sales

43:11 Balancing Profitability and Equity

45:15 Technology and Value Addition for Farmers

50:59 Building Trust in Agricultural Transactions

55:58 Scaling FarmX Across Regions

01:00:13 Unique Value Proposition of FarmX

01:03:31 Creating Impact Beyond Farmers

01:10:44 Closing Remarks and Future Vision

This insightful conversation was urgently held in reality a changed rainfall pattern and which constituted concern as the Nigerian food system is largely rain-dependent.

The Episode has as it is Gest, Shuqrah Umar, an agricultural professional with specialization in irrigation and many years of experience in the field.

Shuqrah leads two visionary enterprise in Nigeria -founded Sierra Alpha Resource (an irrigation system and inputs supplier for agricultural industry) and established Sierra Innovations Ltd (providing local irrigation solutions and technical services to farmer and agricultural enthusiasts).

We began this discussion assessing the rainfall realities around Nigeria and comparing with the predictions of the body charged with weather and climate predictions in the nation, NIMET (Nigerian Meteorological Agency).

While it tallied in few cases and especially for states and regions looked at -Lagos state, Kwara state, Oyo state, South West, Coastal and North Central Regions -with early rainfall onset and late ending of wet season, it was not for many others, and this informed the need for supplementary irrigation.

This irregular was determined to have deeper impacts beyond food supply but to also hunger, poverty and conflicts.

What irrigation means was addressed, termed to be artificial and human approach to providing water to plants -and for other water uses, for rearing animals, drinking, cooking, and hygiene purpose -as against a natural phenomenon, rainfall.

A proper definition helps to understand water uses and what would be required address and satisfy them.

This was the approach advised for embarking on irrigation set up; to determine water availability, uses, and then plan and develop gradually, than spontaneously implement and largely without a broader picture.

Different irrigation methods were considered, flood, basin, furrow, sprinkle, and drip, and their pros and cons to to help make informed and best decision and get productive outcome. Considering efficiency of irrigation method was advised so as not to waste resources and/or compound cost and therefore defeating part of purposes of irrigation.

Looking at the peculiar socio-economic condition of Nigerian major food producers and their inculpabilities to make costly irrigation investment, we considered connecting opportunities to challenges, innovative irrigation strategies and payment model.

We discovered that while farmers do not have adequate irrigation there were water bodies. A problem of inaccessibility to a lack and/or inadequate infrastructure was identified and thus the call for public investment to support producers.

Private sector role in sustainable irrigation model was also looked and their capacity to inject funds, provide quality managerial function were highlighted but that impatience and risk presented challenges. In tandem, the need for better risk management entail collaboration of stakeholders was emphasized.

This approach was also advised for irrigation payment model, where farming must be done as a business to not only yield bounty harvest to also impact livelihoods of farmers and thus that while farmers must pay, the payment model must consider their precarious situation and importance to the nation.

Farmers pulling resources together to lower irrigation cost and enable access, bundling, cost recovery were exploited.

We thought that it was best there was a unified approached to irrigation for this not only but also for environmental management and sustainability.

With individual farmer having to drill their own borehole to access water, the risk of pollution and water table depletion arises and increases.

Cost-effective innovative concept as rain harvesting was considered, and advised but warned it is not an absolute replacement but should serve as supplement.

Sustainable irrigation was implored to be seen as an ecosystem than mere set up and this way increases success -agronomy (climate-adaptive seeds), hardware, choices, etc.

Dive into Nigeria’s Blue Economy in this compelling podcast discourse that unpacks the nation’s vast marine resources and strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea.

Our Guest for this Episoide is Okon Eteobong Amah (The Catfishprenuer), MD/CEO PRODAVE SERVICES INTEGRATED. He is the Secretary of Akwa Ibom Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (AKWAFFAN).

With the global Blue Economy valued at $24 trillion and with a projected annual revenue to double its current to $5.2 trillion by 2034, Nigeria has immense potential to drive economic growth and sustainability, having 853km coastline, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of about 200nm, a vast inland waterways resource estimated at nearly 10,000kms.Our expert panel explored critical issues, from the transformative Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to challenges in aquaculture, maritime trade, and marine biotechnology.

He tackled overfishing, port congestion, export bottlenecks, and the environmental impacts of coastal development, while spotlighting opportunities for job creation, innovation, and value chain growth across Nigeria’s nine coastal states.

From addressing the $1.2 billion fish import gap to leveraging marine resources for pharmaceuticals, this episode delivers actionable insights into Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a Blue Economy powerhouse.

Listen to this engaging discussion on sustainable strategies, policy frameworks, and the path to a thriving marine economy by 2034, and with thoughts for the environment.

This podcast is a must-listen for policymakers, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and anyone passionate about Nigeria’s economic future.

This Event "Battle for the Soul of African Agrifood: Food, Seed & Land Sovereignty." took place on Nigeria's Independence Day (October 1st, 2025).

It was purposely fixed to this date as it relates to the topic of discourse -freedom from external control.

It seeks to address issues that affect Nigeria's food sovereignty in understanding of how it is connected with and determines food security.

Food production is dependent on seeds and lands, it's thus why the topic embraces aside food sovereignty, also seed and land sovereignty.

The discussion started with the President of Nigeria (His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu) Independence Day Speech, where amongst others, commitment to food security was emphasized.

This conversation touched on the reality in the nation, Nigerian homes and among Nigerians, and what is missing and advised on the path to ensure food sovereignty and security -ensuring security of lives and pursuing local manufacturing.

In tandem, matters as GMO and Nigeria's ginger problem (eroded from a major global producer and exporter allegedly by bioweapon) as with external interference were considered.

The discussion then addressed the Vice President of Nigeria's (H. E Kashim Shettima) Speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly that caused uproar with the immediate outcries in foreign media of Christians being persecuted and killed in Nigeria, after the second citizen of Nigeria had spoken of countries to be treated as equals at the United Nations and a two-state solution in Palestine.

Many people thought the outcries were propaganda that emanated for that speech and of Israeli and western influence to ferment tension and unrest in Nigeria to illegally have access and control to Nigeria's commodities and solid mineral resources.

This was discussed about alongside cases of geopolitics, in Congo, French Africa, and in Eastern Europe (Russia-Ukraine war in particular), with quest for resources (in making semi-conductors, micro electronics and data centre GPUs) to power and win the race of super tech , and where the West seeks energy security away from Russia with conflict but now in the US and Africa, being sabotaged by hostility towards France, growing Russia and China influence in Africa and their energy arrangement with French Africa that cuts out French and Europe -especially Uranium supply and transatlantic gas pipeline between Nigeria and Morocco that would reach Europe.

The renewed relationship of France with Nigeria was revisited and if it was not substitute for what it was cut off from French Africa and whether this meant good for Nigeria, in consideration of the colonial and recent history of France in French Africa causing a rise and spread of insecurity, terrorism and insurgency across the horn of Africa and in Nigeria, displacement crisis and with increased emigration to Europe, and also negatively impacting food system, sovereignty and security, and French's purported role in the Nigerian state dissolution efforts supporting separatist groups.

We considered how this is similar to what has been and is happening in the Middle East with a not-well-thought of foreign war on terror after the 9/11 attack at the World Trade Centre and the Israel-Iran war and the aftermath.

We concluded that it was best to not interfere with and in matters of sovereign nations and especially those that could cause global imbalance when thrown in disarray especially with their heavy population and strategic importance to the world in matters of raw materials for energy, technology and trade security.

It was thus emphasized that nations -and Nigeria a nation with particular focus for this event -ensures its sovereignty through physical , economic and cultural securities, and commit to local food production and manufacturing of high-quality value-added products, partaking in technological advancement utilizing its natural resources than be exploited by foreign actors that do not mean well for the nation.

Dive into a transformative Episode, featuring Prof. Kehinde Thomas, a leading Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ibadan, as he explores "Extension Practice in the Marketplace of Development: A Fusion of Art & Science."

This episode unravels how extension practice can merge scientific innovation with creative, community-driven solutions to address Nigeria’s urgent challenges and align with global trends.

The lecture begins by demystifying the event’s theme. Prof. Thomas explains that extension involves transferring knowledge and innovations to farmers, acting as a bridge for development. The "marketplace" represents a vibrant ecosystem where stakeholders—farmers, NGOs, governments, and private sectors—exchange ideas and resources.

The "fusion of art and science" blends evidence-based tools, like digital advisories, with the art of human centered-approaches and participatory engagement. This framing sets the stage for a discourse on how extension can drive sustainable agricultural and rural economy transformation in Nigeria.

Prof. Thomas tackles the challenges of multi-disciplinary collaboration in extension, where integrating scientific and indigenous knowledge often falters. He identifies barriers like disconnects and inadequate training, which hinder improvements in agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. He affirms indigenous knowledge and the need for its refine and scaling up and inclusion.

By highlighting these issues, he calls for innovative frameworks that respect local wisdom while leveraging research-driven solutions, resonating with Nigeria’s need for effective extension systems.

The discussion then explores the evolving development landscape, where Nigeria’s extension system faces complex challenges like climate change and competition for funds. Prof. Thomas advises on adapting to global trends, such as AI-driven advisories and carbon credit schemes, to modernize Nigeria’s outdated infrastructure and connect farmers to opportunities.

This forward-looking approach emphasizes positioning extension as a key player in a competitive, pluralistic environment.

A critical question examines the expanding role of extension workers, who now serve as facilitators beyond technical knowledge providers. Prof. Thomas debates whether this is a burden or an opportunity with diverse and increased role of the extension agent, posited that this presented unique opportunities to leverage.

He explores whether extension should remain a public good or adopt an entrepreneurial model with better compensation. He leans to private extension service and urges for innovative payment models that make easy pay for services.

Drawing from global examples, Prof. Thomas highlights the undervaluation of indigenous knowledge in extension. He discusses the implications of sidelining such knowledge—missed opportunities for sustainability—and advocates for integrating it with scientific methods to meet modern needs.

The lecture emphasizes the need for soft skills like psychology, behavioural science understanding and social marketing, in extension work. Prof. Thomas critiques linear, science-heavy approaches that fail without these “artistic” competencies, offering strategies to reposition Nigeria’s extension systems and universities to prioritize such training for lasting impact, with improved curriculum, training and retraining.

He also offer insights on how to measure success in extension intervention using the theory of change approach (with elements: activities, input output, outcome and impact) in the line with monitoring and evaluation of projects.

To maintain extension’s intent, Prof. Thomas addresses how it can avoid being diluted by external agendas, such as funding that views rural development as mere poverty alleviation.

Finally, he inspires young professionals with advice on navigating careers in this expanded vision of extension, emphasizing value creation and demand-driven service.

This event offers a practical guide to youths in pursuing career and undertaking business in farming and agriculture.

Young people increasingly seek career in the field but it does not help that ugly and misleading narratives about the sector pervades and that the sector is currently crushing for new entrants to volatile operating environment.

Hence, this discussion sought to enlighten youths about the possibilities in the space and expose them to proper mindset, perspective and strategies to approach the field in order to ensure well-carved out, meaningful and impactful careers and also successful and sustainable ventures, with personally-lived experiences and trusted approaches.

Afterwards, a WhatsApp group (currently of over 400 members) spurn out of this discussion, to provide young people access to professional network for information, knowledge and guidance that make possible their respective aspirations.

Global potato demand is about 350 million metric tons today and poised to attain 383.1 million metric tons by 2030, outpacing present global supply 306 million metric tons.

A growing population, specialized needs and high nutritional profile are driving demand.

This presents unique opportunities for participation and especially in the developing world -with favourable conditions to grow potato, create opportunities and earn serving export market but also domestic market the crop easy and cheap to grow and promoting food and income security.

Even, the value chain could present greater and better opportunities. Processed products constitute 34% of the potato market and demand for the category is projected to increase by 70% to 2030.

Last year, while USD 7.1bn potato were exported, more than twice of that USD 17.3bn processed potato were exported.It thus appears sensible to exploit opportunity in the space but not without having deeper insights.

Bulk of producers barely meet their production target, produces go spoilt/wasted, value-added products are not exploited or even lack competitive appeal.

In this Masterclass you would have in-depth insights about potato production, efficient production, constraints and navigating them, value chain opportunities, sales and marketing strategies, innovative production for export markets, creating sustainable venture and wealth, etc.

This podcast episode was about manufacturing sector and its integral subsector textile and clothing, seeking to promote their revival in understanding of their significance to the Nigerian economy.

The manufacturing sector traditionally contributes 13% of Nigeria’s GDP, providing thousands of jobs and millions in revenues.

However, the sector has struggled to reach its full potential. It posted meagre growth of 1.6% annually in the last 5yrs and saw its lowest drop in FDI in Q1 2025 since Q2 2022 inflow dropping to $129.2m from $421.0m.

The textile and clothing sub-sector had long taken hit with local textile manufacturing giving way to $4billion yearly imports and loss of cultural wear heritage, jobs and opportunities.

In this interview with Dr. Fabian Ibeto, a foremost Lecturer and Educator in the field of Industrial Design and speciliazed in Textile and Clothing at the University of Ibadan, he disclosed multiple factors -policy, infrastructure, narrative, smuggling and importation, capital, technical expertise, technology and R&D, insecurity -are responsible for the of the sectors.

He deconstructed how we got here and gave practical insights on what we must do to revive the sectors and position them to be productive, competitive, and income and job-generating as seen in other countries.

He also addressed the unique opportunities for youths in the space, dispelled misleading narratives and gave advice to them on navigating career in the space that help to promote youth participation.

He as well touched on environmental impact of manufacturing, textile and clothing and canvassed for a sustainable approach with option of agro-waste. The potential of agro-textile and the need for advance technology adoption and capital injection was also discussed and how to scale it and Nigeria being a leading producer of it and environmentally sustainable producer of textile and clothing under global best practices.

Make sure to listen to the full episode. There is a lot to learn to guide revamping, develop and grow the discussed sector and also meaningfully investing in it.

Voice-acted by Toheez Azeez (husband) and Ogunbase Taiwo Khadijat (wife and wife's mother)

In this episode 02 of the Lasgidi Farmer Podcast Edutainment Series, the voice actors engage in a lively drama about fitness, health, and the dynamics of male-female relationships. They explore societal expectations regarding physical appearance, the importance of nutrition, and the complexities of communication within families. The conversation is filled with humor and relatable anecdotes, making it both entertaining and insightful.

Takeaways

• Physical fitness is a common topic of discussion among couples and in households.
• Societal expectations can create pressure regarding physical appearance.
• Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being.
• Communication is key in understanding relationship dynamics.
• Family dynamics can influence personal relationships significantly.
• Humor can be an effective way to address serious topics.
• Men and women often have different perspectives on health and fitness.
• Expectations can lead to misunderstandings in relationships.
• Support from family can enhance personal growth and health.
• It's important to prioritize health over societal pressures.

As the Nigerian Government deliberates on fish importation in the week, we discussed on farm the implications of this assessing with similar directives in the past. As much as we are thoughtful about the potential improve local production and capacity we are also concerned about what could come with huge fish supply-demand gap learning from the past. Listen to this conversation and let of know what you think by contributing your opinion.

This discussion looked through the possibility of attaining agricultural prosperity and sustainable food security with small scale farming and small and crude tools drawing on successful case studies from elsewhere. The perspective was compared with large scale, commercial and mechanised farming. The discussion accessed why small scale farming does not yield the same in Nigeria and Africa as elsewhere and also the impending factors to productive and efficient large scale farming. It was reached that a true working agriculture would have a combination of small scale and large farming although with local adaptation and resolving location-specific issues and putting in place enabling factors.

23rd June, 2025, I lectured a class of master's students at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan.

I was invited by Senior lecturer, Idris Olabode Badiru to come expose the students to the evolving nature of the discipline, the increasing role of digital media and emerging trends, and also the realities and possibilities beyond school, using my podcast and agricultural communication activities as case study.

This was to expand the post-graduate students’ knowledge and capacity and prepare them for life after school, the critical needs and the future of the field.

It was a 2hr lecture from 11am to 1pm with the following structure:

• Introduction and Content (10 mins)
• Core lecture with slides (60 mins)
• Interactive case study activity (30 mins)
• Q&A and wrap-up (20 mins)

The lecture was an interesting and interactive one. I educated on what agricultural and rural development journalism is, the essence, and its distinct difference from general journalism. I stressed the impacting and participatory nature of agricultural and rural development journalism and the for specific specilaized knowledge for anyone seeking a career in the field.

I took the scholars through how journalism is evolving with consideration of cost, usability, accessibility, versatility, experience and participation etc. and how digital media is being rapidly adopted. Also emphasized were emerging trends in journalism and their impacts -AI, augmented reality, immersive story telling, interactive visuals, animations, etc.

I exposed the students to career possibilities in Agricultural and Rural Development Journalism, informing them about the different careers in the field and insights on pursuing them.

I took the post-grads through podcasting using my podcasting as case study and talking on navigating career in agricultural communications. I enlightened them on attaining clarity and choosing a part, things to consider starting and the mindset and values to embody and how to organically grow, leverage network and social media.

I also discussed with them what social media has to offer, the benefits and the individual strengths of each app and taught how to leverage them effectively and for career growth.

I engaged them in firsthand practical creation of attention-grabbing and holding caption, title, headlines and stories, and on Facebook, X and Instagram, and edutainments (soap opera, short drama, infomercial).

I was amazed by the brilliance of the students -their answers to questions and the quality of work they delivered in short timespan to the exercise.

This expansive and practical education is really important to expanding the knowledge horizons of the scholars and positioning them for self-development and improvement, and impact.

I was happy the Department and Senior Lecturer Idris Olabode Badiru facilitated this -merging theory with practical.

This helps with building an enthusiastic savvy skill-force that bridges information and communication gaps promoting awareness, understanding, collaborations and actions resolving agricultural and rural development issues unlocking growth with spread to other sectors and with impact on the society at large.

This event discussed the importance of future generation toward the prosperity of agriculture, food systems and sustainable food security, and preparing children toward such.

The discussion held with Adebayo Adeoti who brought deep clarity and insights having been involved in transforming rural life and especially lives of rural children facilitating inclusive impactful education that bridges education and skills gap, improve their thinking, creativity and innovativeness, capacity, agency and possibilities, helping the children grow into developing solutions and future leaders impacting their immediate community and society at large.

We first ascertained the role and importance of children and young people in agriculture, where we affirmed that young people are important for the future of agriculture not only serving as sustainable workforce replacement for the sector but also helping to maintain other agricultural functions (for instance conserving biodiversity and sustainability) and establishing food solutions through creative and innovative endeavours.

The conclusion was reached that children are malleable and worth the investment of education and on sustainable agriculture beneficial for the environment, where they would more likely embody such in the future.

We also assessed the importance of education in preparing children for this important role, understanding the huge educational gap and with consideration for agricultural education in bridging the gap.

Nigeria’s has 18.5 million out-of-school children. This is highest in the world. The figure represents over 8% of the Nigerian population and even embedded inequality across gender and regions. Children of primary school age constitute 55.5% of the 18.5 million out-of-school children. Education share of national budget is low and fair away from UNESCO 25% recommendations. 

It was determined that poverty, cultural barriers, infrastructure and ineffective use of resources were the causal factors.While the potential for agricultural education and engagement to remedy this was considered, we delineated between engaging children in agriculture and child labour often seen synonymous as there are about 160 million children involved in child labour across the world and 60% occurring in agriculture.

Adebayo informed that that intent and who benefits from such activity were key differentiators and push for the need for sensitization on this in conjunction parents and teachers.

Ways to meaningfully engage children in agriculture were seen to, where Adeoti gave practical insights with their works at Bani Agribusiness Solutions how they were creatively and innovatively engaging school children in agriculture and assigning age-appropriate tasks.

Of important mention is the 4-H method of agricultural education, with the importance of education, mastery and autonomy around individual interest which helps to ensure belonginess and sustainability, and the emphasis on generosity -to use what is learnt to help others and the society.

Also, while agricultural education was deemed effective in remedying the educational gap and serving other benefits instilling life skills in children helping with navigating the world, it was was not seen as the sole remedy however an integral part of a holistic fix.

The event concluded with contrasting two different societies (US and Nigeria) on education and agriculture of the lens of the guest’s experience, and drawing insights and things to adopt to improve the Nigerian education and agriculture, while advice on navigating career through the lived experience of the guest was given which entailed focus, discipline, hard work, communicating and documenting efforts, networking, leveraging social media.

An exercise given to MSc Students on the 23rd of June 2025 at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, during a lecture on Agricultural and Rural Development Journalism taught by Toheeb Azeez (The Lasgidi Farmer).

This particular upload is for Group 1 of the four groups the students were divided into.

Names of the Group members are below:

• Amoo Adeola
• Azeez Zainab
• Okpere Jennifer
• Adebisi Segun
• Adesina Oluwatosin
• Abdulraham Karmardeen
• Jimoh Waliyat
• Omoniyi Temitope
• Akinboade Lydia
• Olaniyi Sukurat
  

An exercise given to MSc Students on the 23rd of June 2025 at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, during a lecturer on Agricultural and Rural Development Journalism taught by The Lasgidi Farmer.

This particular upload is for Group 4 of the four groups the students were divided into.

Names of the Group members are below:

• Ajagbe Akimat
• Azeez Oluwatobiloba
• Oyetade Kehinde
• Opadotun Motolani
• Alawode Damilola
• Obasade Oluwaseun
• Ogunle Timilehin
• Omilabu David
• Kolade Toluwani
• Oshokpekha Christiana

An exercise given to MSc Students on the 23rd of June 2025 at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan, during a lecturer on Agricultural and Rural Development Journalism taught by The Lasgidi Farmer.

This particular upload is for Group 3 of the four groups the students were divided into.

Names of the Group members are below:

• Elum Bethel. M
• Rafiu Sodiq. O
• Alliu Babs Alliu
• Bamikale Eunice. M
• Oseni Abideen. B
• Shittu Temitope. O