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

Keywords

Food security, supply chain, digital agriculture, FarmX, logistics, farmers empowerment, technology in agriculture, transparent and equitable markets, agricultural innovation, trust ecosystem, local solutions, opportunities, national and continental impacts.

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.