Agriculture employs more Nigerians than any other sector, yet many smallholder farmers remain unaware of the government programmes designed to support them. From subsidised inputs to market access initiatives, here is a guide to the key programmes currently available.
The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP)
Managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the ABP provides loans to smallholder farmers at single-digit interest rates. The programme covers key crops including rice, wheat, maize, cassava, and poultry. Farmers are connected directly to large-scale processors (anchors) who guarantee purchase of their harvest at agreed prices.
The National Agricultural Growth Scheme
This programme targets food security by providing subsidised fertiliser, improved seeds, and extension services to registered farmers across all 36 states. Farmers can register through their state’s Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) office.
Agro-Processing and Market Access
The Federal Government has invested in agro-processing zones and commodity exchange platforms to help farmers move beyond subsistence farming. These platforms connect farmers directly to buyers, reducing the role of middlemen and increasing farm-gate prices.
In communities affected by farmer-herder conflict — a challenge ENPUAI works on daily — access to agricultural support can be a powerful tool for de-escalation. When farmers have viable livelihoods and herders have designated grazing routes, the competition that fuels violence is reduced.
Contact your Local Government agricultural office or ENPUAI for help accessing any of these programmes.