ARE SMALLHOLDER FARMERS REALLY UNBANKABLE or are our financial systems failing to understand how they produce, earn and manage risk?Millions of smallholder farmers help feed our communities, sustain agricultural value chains and support rural economies. Yet, access to affordable and appropriate finance remains a persistent barrier to their productivity and growth.The problem is often framed as a lack of collateral. But is that the whole story?What happens when a farmer has the capacity to produce, a history of economic activity and a viable market, but lacks the formal records, credit history or conventional security required by financial institutions?Should the absence of conventional documentation be treated as evidence of an inability to repay?This question goes beyond lending. It touches on financial inclusion, agricultural productivity, rural development, food security and the design of institutions that serve the real economy.It also raises difficult questions:▪️ Data and creditworthiness: Can verified farm activity, cooperative records and transaction histories help lenders assess farmers more fairly?▪️ Appropriate finance: How can input financing and repayment arrangements reflect agricultural seasons, farmers’ cash flows and market realities?▪️ Risk and resilience: Who bears the consequences when drought, flooding, pests, disease or market shocks disrupt a farmer’s ability to repay? What role should insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms play?▪️ Commercial sustainability: How can financial institutions serve smallholders at scale without making finance unaffordable for farmers or unsustainable for lenders?▪️ Policy and institutional coordination: What must governments, banks, insurers, cooperatives, agribusinesses and development partners do differently to make agricultural finance more accessible and effective?These questions demand more than simply expanding the supply of loans. They require us to examine how farmers are assessed, how agricultural risks are shared, how financial products are designed, and whether the outcomes genuinely improve farmers’ livelihoods and productive capacity.On The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we will explore these issues in a conversation with Mr. Dennis Okpe, Founder & CEO of Heabron, whose work with farmers and cooperatives focuses on translating real economic activity into trusted data and credit-scoring systems that can help farmers access input finance.The conversation will examine the potential of farmer data and alternative approaches to credit assessment, while looking at the wider conditions needed to make agricultural finance inclusive, affordable and sustainable.The bigger question is this: What would it take to build a financial system in which farmers are assessed not only by the assets they own, but also by credible evidence of their economic activity, productive capacity and ability to repay?We welcome perspectives from policymakers, financial institutions, insurers, researchers, development practitioners, agribusiness leaders, farmer organisations and everyone working to strengthen food systems.#AgriculturalFinance #AgriculturalInsurance #Agrifinance #SmallholderFarmers #FinancialInclusion #FoodSystems #AgriculturalPolicy #Heabron #DennisOkpe #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast

Can the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year become the beginning of a serious career in agriculture?For many young Nigerians, NYSC is simply a compulsory service to the fatherland to complete before starting their careers. But what if that year could become a period of practical learning, professional growth and a pathway into commercial agriculture?In this episode of NEXTGEN AGRI VOICES, The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast sits down with Mukhtar Adedotun Raji, popularly known as “BIG RAJJ” , a Farm Operations Officer and Agronomist at AAO Farms Limited, to explore his journey from university and student leadership to hands-on commercial farming and professional agricultural practice.During his NYSC service year, Mukhtar gained practical experience managing five commercial greenhouses, developing skills in controlled-environment agriculture, crop production and farm operations. Today, his experience extends across greenhouse production, open-field farming, livestock operations, agribusiness and farm management.We explore the journey behind that experience and the lessons young people can take from it.In this conversation, we discuss:🌱 How Mukhtar developed an interest in agriculture and turned it into a career path🎓 His experience as President of the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 🇳🇬 How NYSC became a practical career-building opportunity🏡 What it really takes to manage commercial greenhouses🌾 The difference between studying agriculture and practising agriculture commercially📈 How practical experience can translate into professional opportunities💼 Agriculture beyond farming: agribusiness, entrepreneurship and employment🌍 Building innovative and scalable agricultural enterprises across Africa🚀 Skills young agricultural graduates need to remain relevant🎯 How students and NYSC members can deliberately use their service year to build their careers🔮 Mukhtar's vision for the next generation of African agricultureA conversation for:Agricultural students | NYSC members | Young farmers | Agronomists | Agricultural professionals | Agripreneurs | Aspiring entrepreneurs | Young people exploring careers in agricultureThis is more than one person's career story.It is a conversation about turning opportunity into experience, experience into expertise, and expertise into a career.About NEXTGEN AGRI VOICESNEXTGEN AGRI VOICES is a series by The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast spotlighting young people, agricultural practitioners and innovators whose experiences, ideas and work offer lessons, hope and inspirations for the next generation of agriculture.If you are interested in agriculture, food systems, agribusiness, innovation, careers, opportunities and the people shaping the future of African agriculture, subscribe and stay connected.The Lasgidi Farmer PodcastFood, Agriculture & Development Issues | Info, Insights, How-to, Opportunities | Nigeria, Africa, Global🔔 Subscribe to The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast and join the conversation.#NextGenAgriVoices #Agriculture #Agribusiness #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #NYSC #agriculturestudents #greenhouse #youthinagriculture #agricultureuniversity #ABUZaria #GreenhouseFarming #AgriculturalPolicies

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