One Acre Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers across Africa, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers in Kwara State.

The NGO disclosed that it is set to achieve this by providing access to quality seeds, fertilizers, credit facilities, and modern agricultural training.

The organization's Impact Innovations Lead, Funke Adewole, stated this on Wednesday during the 'Kwara Harvest Day' held at Iyana-Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

Arewa PUNCH reports that the event featured a product showcase, a mini maize expo, and live demonstrations of innovative farming techniques by One Acre Fund's seed partner, SeedCo, alongside an award presentation to outstanding farmers.

Adewole said One Acre Fund's primary goal was to help farmers increase productivity and improve their standard of living through inclusive access to agricultural innovations.

"One Acre Fund started operations in East Africa and launched in Nigeria in 2018 with just 150 farmers in Niger State.

"Today, we serve over 400,000 farmers nationwide and continue to expand rapidly," she Mrs Adewole.

According to her, the organisation extended its operations to Kwara State last year as part of a broader expansion plan across northern Nigeria.

"In Kwara, our goal is to help farmers improve their productivity through a credit programme that provides input bundles of maize seeds, fertilisers, and herbicides at the beginning of the season.

"When farmers make profits, they can better provide for their families and live the kind of life they desire," she explained.

Adewole further disclosed that more than 75,000 farmers in Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa states had already benefited from the organisation's credit initiative this year.

She, however, emphasised that the success of the programme depended on farmers' compliance with planting recommendations and prompt repayment of loans.

"Loan repayment is key to sustaining our model and reaching more communities. We urge farmers to follow our agronomic advice and remain committed," Mrs Adewole said.

She revealed further that the organisation also runs a tree-planting initiative, through which over 250,000 tree seedlings have been distributed to farmers across the country this year, with plans to double the number by 2026.

Meanwhile, she bemoaned the security challenges, particularly banditry, which had limited their operations in some parts of Nigeria.

"Security is a major factor we consider before expanding into new areas.

"Wherever there are reports of banditry, we suspend activities until the environment becomes safe."

She commended the Kwara State government for its collaboration during the organisation's setup phase, adding that "One Acre Fund also partners with local authorities and security agencies to ensure a safe working environment for both farmers and staff."

A beneficiary of the programme, Muhammed Gana, while speaking with Arewa PUNCH, lauded the organisation for introducing improved maize seeds and better farming practices that have transformed their yield outcomes.

"At first, many of us were sceptical. But after trying the new seeds, we saw the difference in our harvest. Now, we are ready to adopt all their recommendations next season," he said.