The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Mastercard Foundation have officially concluded Phase I of the Innovative Youth in Agriculture (I-Youth) initiative. Since its launch in 2020, the program has emerged as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agrifood transformation, generating over 90,000 employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Nigerian youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
1. Scaling the Agrifood Ecosystem
The program targeted five key states—Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Jigawa, and Adamawa—focusing on bridging the gap between traditional farming and modern agribusiness.
- Agribusiness Creation: The initiative facilitated the establishment of 36,053 youth-led agribusinesses.
- Infrastructure: Development of agribusiness parks, innovation hubs, and cooperative clusters provided the physical and technical support needed for long-term growth.
- Regional Influence: The success of the Nigerian model is already being exported to Sierra Leone and Liberia, signaling a shift in how Africa approaches youth employment in agriculture.
2. The STEP Model: Starting Them Early
A unique highlight of the initiative is the Start Them Early Programme (STEP), which targets the younger demographic in secondary schools.
- Home-Grown Ventures: Over 5,900 home-grown agribusiness ventures were established by students and their families.
- Mindset Shift: By introducing agriculture as a high-tech, profitable business rather than a subsistence chore, STEP is ensuring the next generation views the “soil” as a viable career path.
3. Voices of Impact
The program’s success is best measured by the stories of its participants:
- Olumide Garuba (Lagos): Successfully formalized his agribusiness and now acts as an employer for other local youths.
- Mariam Abass (Kaduna): Rebuilt her poultry business and overcame significant gender barriers, now serving as a mentor for women in her community.
4. Strategic Vision for Phase II
As Phase I closes, IITA Director-General Dr. Simeon Ehui and Mastercard Foundation Country Director Ms. Rosy Fynn emphasized that the journey is just beginning. The focus for future scaling includes:
- Access to Finance: Moving beyond training to ensure young entrepreneurs can access the capital needed to scale.
- Market Linkages: Connecting youth-led farms directly to large-scale industrial offtakers and exporters.
- Inclusion: Strengthening post-training support specifically for women and persons with disabilities to ensure no one is left behind.
5. Conclusion
The I-Youth initiative proves that when vision and mentorship converge, agriculture becomes more than just food production—it becomes a primary engine for job creation. For the 90,000 beneficiaries, the program has provided more than just a certificate; it has provided a path to dignified, sustainable employment in the heart of Nigeria’s economy.
I-Youth Quick Stats (2020–2025/2026):
- Total Opportunities: 90,000+
- New Agribusinesses: 36,053
- STEP Ventures: 5,900+ (Secondary school students)
- Primary States: Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa
