Image: PVNL

Palm Valley Nigeria Limited (PVNL) has announced that it has empowered more than 625,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria over the past 16 years through a range of agricultural development programmes focused on improving productivity, increasing incomes and strengthening rural livelihoods.

The agribusiness and agricultural development company said its interventions have helped farmers gain access to financing, quality inputs, extension services, processing facilities and market opportunities, contributing to food security and inclusive economic growth.

PVNL Expands Agricultural Support Across Nigeria

Since its establishment in 2008, PVNL has implemented multiple agricultural programmes targeting smallholder farmers, women and youth across key agricultural value chains including maize, soybean, rice and ginger.

The company said its approach combines access to agricultural financing, certified inputs, technical support, produce aggregation and market linkages to improve productivity and profitability for farmers.

PVNL noted that its operations are built on partnerships with development agencies, financial institutions and farming communities to deliver sustainable agricultural solutions.

Agribooster Programme Reaches 500,000 Farmers

One of the company’s largest initiatives is its partnership with OCP Africa under the Agribooster Programme.

According to PVNL, the programme has supported more than 500,000 smallholder farmers since 2019 by providing access to specialised fertiliser blends, extension services and agricultural inputs.

The initiative operates through input distribution hubs in Kaduna State and primarily targets farmers cultivating between half and one hectare of farmland.

The programme aims to increase crop yields, improve soil fertility and enhance agricultural productivity among participating farmers.

Women and Youth Benefit Through AGRA Partnership

PVNL has also partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) under the Gender Consortium Project, which was launched in Kaduna and Niger states in 2022.

The three-year programme enrolled approximately 50,000 women and youth farmers annually between 2022 and 2024.

As part of the initiative, women-owned agro-processing centres and point-of-sale kiosks were established to improve market access, entrepreneurship opportunities and financial inclusion.

Village Savings Schemes introduced under the project have further enabled women farmers to build savings and expand their businesses.

WOFAN Collaboration Supports Over 300,000 Beneficiaries

The company highlighted its partnership with the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) under the Mastercard Foundation-funded ICON2 Programme as another major milestone.

According to PVNL, the programme has onboarded more than 309,000 community participants across Kaduna, Nasarawa and Benue states.

Women account for approximately 80 percent of the programme’s beneficiaries.

The five-year initiative, which runs from 2023 to 2028, has established 51 community processing centres equipped with processing machinery, renewable energy systems and agricultural equipment.

The facilities are designed to reduce post-harvest losses, improve value addition and increase income opportunities for rural communities.

Sustainability Programme Expands Inclusion

PVNL said the sustainability phase of the ICON2 Programme, introduced in 2025, has already supported more than 114,000 beneficiaries.

The programme includes persons with disabilities, produce marketers, logistics providers and other participants within agricultural value chains.

Additional interventions have included the establishment of 60 business hubs for persons with disabilities, the distribution of 120 logistics tricycles and support for produce marketers through the provision of more than 680 tonnes of rice.

Wheelchairs and other business support equipment have also been distributed to improve economic participation among vulnerable groups.

Financing Initiative Generates ₦3 Billion

The company’s Smallholder Women and Youth Agric Finance (SWAY-AGFin) Programme has delivered significant financial and commercial benefits.

Implemented in partnership with Sterling Bank between 2021 and 2024, the programme supported more than 10,000 women and youth farmers across Kaduna and Nasarawa states.

PVNL said the initiative facilitated the aggregation of over 5,000 metric tonnes of agricultural produce, generating more than ₦3 billion in revenue.

The programme also improved access to quality seeds, fertilisers, financing and structured markets for participating farmers.

Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture

As part of its sustainability agenda, PVNL is advancing climate-smart agriculture through a partnership with IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative.

The company reported that approximately 4,000 maize and soybean farmers received training on regenerative agricultural practices during 2025.

More than 20,000 tree seedlings were distributed to participating farmers as part of efforts to improve environmental sustainability and strengthen climate resilience.

An additional 1,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the programme in 2026.

Expanding Support for the Ginger Value Chain

PVNL has also increased its involvement in Nigeria’s ginger sector through collaboration with GIZ EU-VACE.

The programme supports farmers through training on Good Agronomic Practices, seed multiplication, input financing, produce aggregation and market access.

The initiative is designed to improve productivity, quality standards and export competitiveness within Nigeria’s growing ginger industry.

Beneficiaries Report Improved Livelihoods

Several programme beneficiaries have described PVNL’s interventions as transformational.

Women farmers participating in AGRA-supported projects reported improved incomes, greater financial independence and enhanced ability to support their families.

Others credited the company’s support with helping them establish businesses, finance education and improve household welfare.

Participants in the WOFAN ICON2 Programme also highlighted increased access to business opportunities, mobility support and economic empowerment.

Farmers enrolled in the SWAY-AGFin Programme reported higher yields and improved profitability following access to quality agricultural inputs and technical guidance.

Leadership Driving Agricultural Transformation

PVNL is led by agronomist Ezekiel Jatau, who has more than 27 years of experience in agribusiness and agricultural value chain development.

Under his leadership, the company has strengthened partnerships with major organisations including AGRA, WOFAN, OCP Africa, IDH, Sterling Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and GIZ EU-VACE.

The company says its long-term objective remains focused on empowering rural communities, strengthening food security and driving inclusive economic growth through sustainable agricultural development.

With more than 625,000 farmers reached over the past 16 years, PVNL continues to position itself as a key player in advancing agricultural transformation and rural development across Nigeria.