Olam Agri, a global leader in food, feed, and fibre production, has partnered with IDH (The Sustainable Trade Initiative) and Arzikin Noma , a Nigerian agribusiness firm, to boost soybean cultivation in Kwara State. The collaboration aims to empower 5,000 smallholder farmers with a focus on women and youth through credit access, mechanisation support, training in sustainable practices, and market linkages.

The initiative will enhance local soybean production to supply Olam Agri's new 350,000-metric-ton soybean processing facility in Kwara, which prioritises sourcing from regional growers to meet rising demand for high-quality animal feed and cooking oil.

Speaking at the launch, Olam Agri representatives highlighted the partnership's alignment with its Seeds for the Future programme, which has supported farmers since 2021. Arzikin Noma's involvement ensures tailored rural development strategies, while IDH's expertise will drive sustainability and equitable outcomes.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who attended the event, praised the alliance for its potential to transform livelihoods and strengthen Kwara's agricultural economy.

Olam Agri has been a long-standing supporter of the Kwara State Soybean Sustainability Programme, contributing equipment and training for agricultural extension workers. The company is now scaling up its efforts by integrating 5,000 smallholder farmers into its supply chain and implementing sustainable practices such as crop rotation and organic fertilization. Market access is crucial for empowering smallholder farmers and driving sustainable agricultural growth. This partnership will strengthen local agricultural productivity and also lay the groundwork for long-term farmer resilience and prosperity.

Speaking on the partnership, Eniola Fabusoro, Country Director at IDH, said, "We are excited to partner with Olam Agri and Arzikin Noma to boost productivity across the soybean value chain in Kwara State, Nigeria. This partnership exemplifies our approach of bridging the gap between large corporations and smallholder farmers through local partners. By combining our networks, resources, and field experience with proven SMEs like Arzikin Noma, we can transform supply chains while ensuring measurable impact for 5,000 farmers and long-term value for all stakeholders. This initiative demonstrates how sustainable trade can drive both agricultural development and business success."

Adeoluwa Adeshola, Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, added, "Our commitment to food security and sustainable farming remains strong. This partnership in Kwara will raise both the quality and quantity of soybean produced locally, and we are proud to play a role in driving that progress."

Dr. Shailendra Mishra, Global Sustainability Head Grains, Oilseeds, Feed and Freight at Olam Agri said, "This partnership with IDH and Arzikin Noma marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and inclusive soybean value chain in Nigeria. The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the immediate participants, it serves as a model for how regenerative agriculture can transform communities, restore soil health, and drive economic growth. As we embark on this journey, we remain committed to scaling up and expanding our support, ensuring that more farmers can benefit from sustainable practices and market opportunities."

Mustafa Turra, Vice President, Soybean Project Head at Olam Agri, emphasised, "This initiative promotes economic empowerment, enhances livelihoods, and boosts productivity, ultimately creating a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector in Nigeria. By investing in this project and serving as the off taker for locally produced soybeans, we are not only strengthening our supply chain but also ensuring that farmers have reliable, transparent, and rewarding opportunities to sell their produce."