Olam Agri has partnered with IDH and local agricultural development firm, Arzikin Noma, to boost soybean production in Kwara State.
The collaboration is expected to transform the livelihoods of 5,000 smallholder farmers particularly women and youth through access to inputs, training, mechanisation, credit, and markets.
Under this partnership, farmers across key soybean-producing communities in Kwara will benefit from a full-spectrum support programme designed to raise productivity and income levels.
The intervention aligned with Olam Agri’s continued investment in Nigeria’s soybean value chain, anchored by its newly commissioned 350,000 metric tonnes (MT) soybean processing facility in the state, which will source primarily from local growers.
The new collaboration integrates smallholder farmers into a more structured and sustainable supply chain. It also promotes regenerative practices like crop rotation and organic fertiliser use to improve soil health and long-term resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, Eniola Fabusoro, Country Director at IDH, described the partnership as a powerful example of inclusive agribusiness.
“We are excited to partner with Olam Agri and Arzikin Noma to enhance productivity across the soybean value chain in Kwara State, this model connects large agribusinesses with smallholder farmers through local SMEs, ensuring measurable impact for communities and sustainable value creation for all stakeholders”, Fabusoro said.
Managing director of Arzikin Noma, Adeoluwa Adeshola, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to food security and inclusive development, stating that “This partnership will improve both the quality and quantity of soybeans produced locally. We’re proud to contribute to an initiative that strengthens rural farming systems and supports long-term progress.”
For Olam Agri, the partnership marks a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.
Global sustainability head, Grains, Oilseeds, Feed and Freight, Dr Shailendra Mishra, described the project as a model for future collaboration.
“This is more than a supply chain initiative, it’s a community transformation effort. Regenerative agriculture is key to restoring soil health, empowering farmers, and achieving economic growth. Our commitment is to scale this impact.”
Also speaking, vice president and Soybean project head at Olam Agri, Mustafa Turra, highlighted the broader economic implications, saying “By investing in this initiative and serving as a reliable offtaker, we are not only strengthening our supply chain but also creating transparent and rewarding market access for farmers. It’s about building a more inclusive and resilient agricultural economy.”
