The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has commenced the nationwide distribution of fertilizers, improved maize seeds, and crop protection products to 500,000 smallholder farmers under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Fund, in a major effort to strengthen food security and expand agricultural productivity across Nigeria.
The programme, which has already been activated in more than 20 states, is designed to improve access to critical farm inputs, reduce production costs for farmers, and increase domestic food supply at a time when rising inflation and higher input prices continue to challenge agricultural output.
According to BOA management, nearly 200,000 farmers have already received financing through the initiative. Distribution has so far included approximately 1.8 million bags of fertilizer and 329,000 bags of improved seeds, delivered through a network of 20 accredited agro-input companies working with the bank.
Officials said the intervention is expected to support the cultivation of about 520,000 hectares of farmland nationwide, ultimately generating an estimated 2.6 million tonnes of additional food production. The expected increase in crop yields is intended to improve food availability, stabilize supplies, and contribute to moderating food inflation over time.
The programme was formally flagged off in Kaduna and Jigawa states, two key agricultural hubs in northern Nigeria known for large-scale grain production. BOA said the rollout would continue across participating states as preparations for the planting season gather pace.
A key feature of the initiative is its emphasis on financial inclusion and equitable participation. The bank disclosed that more than one-third of the programme’s beneficiaries are women, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to expanding opportunities for female farmers and strengthening the role of women in agricultural value chains.
The Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Fund forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, improve rural livelihoods, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on food imports. By facilitating access to quality inputs and financing, policymakers aim to unlock higher yields among smallholder farmers, who account for the majority of the country’s agricultural production.
Agriculture remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, employing a significant share of the workforce and contributing substantially to gross domestic product. However, the sector has faced persistent challenges, including high production costs, insecurity in farming communities, climate-related risks, and limited access to affordable financing.
Analysts say sustained implementation of initiatives such as the BOA input distribution programme, alongside investments in irrigation, storage infrastructure, mechanisation, and market access, will be essential to achieving long-term food security and building a more resilient agricultural sector.
