For over three decades, the Leventis Foundation has been a leading force in providing agricultural training, empowering thousands of young people and farmers with essential skills in agribusiness and sustainable farming practices. With a focus on enhancing productivity through eco-friendly methods, the foundation aims to reduce the hardships of farming while strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The foundation has trained over 31,000 individuals through its one-year programs and short courses. These training sessions, held at six agricultural schools across Nigeria, offer both practical agricultural skills and the tools needed to improve the livelihoods of trainees. The schools, located in Yaba (FCT), Kano, Gombe, Osun, Ondo, and Kaduna, are established in partnership with state governments to ensure broad access to the programme. The foundation invests over N2.5 billion annually, covering tuition, accommodation, food, and stipends for trainees.
The core mission of the Leventis Foundation revolves around attracting youths and existing farmers into agriculture, promoting sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices. In addition to boosting productivity, the foundation’s goal is to make farming more accessible and less burdensome. It strives to create job creators in the agricultural sector by providing young people with the knowledge and tools to run successful agribusinesses.
The foundation’s program is comprehensive, offering free tuition, accommodation, meals, and stipends for a 10-month period. After completing the training, graduates receive startup packages to help them launch their agribusiness ventures. These packages, often in the form of loans or grants, are tailored to meet the specific needs of each trainee. While the foundation works closely with state governments to facilitate post-training support, it also connects graduates to financial institutions to help them access funding.
For instance, individuals seeking to set up poultry farms or grow crops like maize receive financial assistance based on their business plans. This support can include loans with low interest rates or microcredit facilities designed to help them begin their agribusinesses. The foundation also collaborates with institutions such as NIRSAL and other financial entities to further assist graduates in securing funding for their ventures.
Given the high demand for the programme, the foundation receives thousands of applications every year. While only a limited number of spots are available, the foundation strives to ensure that the selection process is thorough. Applicants are screened through exams and interviews to ensure they possess the passion and aptitude for agribusiness. Additionally, the foundation’s media outreach efforts, which include advertising through national newspapers and social media platforms, play a key role in spreading awareness about these opportunities.
Security concerns, however, have posed challenges to the foundation’s operations. The school in Kaduna, for example, had to be closed due to the worsening insecurity in the region, affecting over 3,000 potential trainees. While the foundation hopes to reopen this facility when conditions improve, it continues to operate in other regions where security is more stable.
Moreover, the foundation’s partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been instrumental in reaching a broader audience. Since 2021, the foundation has been training corps members in agribusiness disciplines, equipping them with valuable skills that can enhance their economic prospects. Many of these trained corps members have gone on to secure grants, allowing them to launch or expand their own agribusinesses.
Despite the challenges, the foundation continues to make significant strides in empowering the youth and improving Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. With its robust training programs, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated focus on youth development, the Leventis Foundation is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of agribusiness in Nigeria.
