BATNF Partners SWAgCo To Strengthen Agriculture, Empower Smallholder Farmers

The BATN Foundation (BATNF) said it has embarked on a constructive partnership with Odu’a Investment Company Limited’s agribusiness investment arm, SWAgCo, aimed at revitalising the agricultural sector in the Southwest region.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, where SWAgCo introduced N10 billion agribusiness initiative designed to industrialize agriculture and unlock the vast agro-economic potential within the region.

As a core component of this collaboration, the BATN Foundation is implementing a N65 million maize production initiative at the Oke-Ako agribusiness hub in Ekiti State. This initiative includes a N32 million revolving grant to empower 100 smallholder farmers with access to credit, quality inputs, training, storage solutions, and market connections.

General manager of BATN Foundation, Mr. Oludare Odusanya, said, “this partnership represents a pivotal move towards enhancing food systems and invigorating rural economies across the Southwest. By collaborating with SWAgCo, we are creating pathways to industrialise agriculture, boost productivity, and enhance incomes for smallholder farmers, who are essential to our food ecosystem.”

He added that “this strategic initiative with SWAgCo aligns perfectly with the BATN Foundation’s mission to empower smallholder farmers and foster inclusive agricultural development through innovative partnerships.

“By addressing crucial gaps in financing, market accessibility, and agribusiness training, this initiative not only aims to increase agricultural yields but also seeks to establish cooperative farmer groups that can enhance collective bargaining, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Executive director of the BATN Foundation, Halimat Shuaibu, emphasised, “we are excited to partner with SWAgCo in advancing our shared vision for agricultural transformation. This collaboration places smallholder farmers at the forefront of agribusiness development. Together, we are unlocking the region’s agricultural potential and building sustainable livelihoods for future generations.”

She stated that “this significant initiative marks a crucial step towards creating a self-sustaining agro-industrial ecosystem, reinforcing the BATN Foundation’s commitment to supporting rural Nigeria through inclusive development and advancement in agriculture.

With a dedication to sustainable development, the BATN Foundation looks forward to expanding the impact of this partnership across additional hubs in the region and beyond, aiming to drive significant scale and impact in the future.