What's Happening?
Olamide Alao-Akala, founder of UMèRA Farms & Business School, is advocating for a rebranding of agriculture to make it more appealing to young Nigerians. In an interview, she discussed her journey into
agribusiness, which began when she was asked to oversee her family's farm. Despite initial reluctance, she found a passion for the field and has since established her own farm. Alao-Akala emphasizes the need for agriculture to be seen as a modern, innovative industry rather than one of toil and hardship. She highlights the importance of technology, logistics, and finance in transforming agriculture into a viable career path for the youth. Her efforts include the development of Alaafia Village, an agrotourism and innovation resort, aimed at demonstrating the potential of agriculture as a rewarding and exciting field.
Why It's Important?
The push to rebrand agriculture is significant as it addresses the challenges of youth unemployment and food security in Nigeria. By making agriculture more attractive to young people, there is potential to revitalize the sector with fresh ideas and innovations. This could lead to increased productivity and sustainability in food production, which is crucial for a country facing rising food costs. Alao-Akala's approach also challenges gender biases in the industry, encouraging more women to participate and lead in agribusiness. Her model of 'farm ownership without farming' offers a new way for investors to engage with agriculture, potentially increasing investment in the sector.
What's Next?
Alao-Akala's initiatives, such as the Alaafia Village, are set to bridge the perception gap by combining leisure, learning, and investment in agriculture. The government and private sector are encouraged to invest in agricultural education and youth-friendly funding schemes to further support this rebranding effort. As these initiatives gain traction, they could inspire similar projects across Nigeria, fostering a new generation of agripreneurs who view agriculture as a viable and lucrative career path.
Beyond the Headlines
The rebranding of agriculture also touches on broader themes of sustainability and food security. By promoting regenerative farming practices and the use of technology, Alao-Akala's efforts contribute to a more sustainable agricultural model. This aligns with global shifts towards environmentally friendly practices and could position Nigeria as a leader in sustainable agriculture in Africa.
