Abuja Forum to Bring More Than 500 Farmers and Investors Together to Boost Nigeria’s Food Production

By Simpson Global Media News Desk

More than 500 farmers, investors and agricultural stakeholders are expected to converge on Abuja on October 13 and 14 for a forum designed to strengthen agricultural investment, improve smallholder farmers’ access to business opportunities and support Nigeria’s food security efforts.

The 2026 FCT Farmers’ Day and Farmers and Investors Interactive Forum will take place at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture in Area 10, Garki, according to a report published by Radio Nigeria on October 12.

The two-day event is being organised jointly by the Visionary Women in Agricultural Development in Africa (VIWADA) and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Federal Capital Territory chapter.

Organisers say the gathering will provide a platform for farmers to engage directly with investors, agricultural input suppliers, equipment providers, government officials, cooperatives and other businesses operating across the agricultural value chain.

The event’s theme is “Celebrating Women Farmers’ Efforts and Impacts, Empowering FCT Smallholder Farmers for Sustainable Growth towards the Achievement of Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria.”

The programme is expected to place particular emphasis on women farmers, young people and persons with disabilities, while encouraging the adoption of modern farming practices and stronger commercial relationships between producers and agricultural businesses.

Farmers from the Federal Capital Territory and six North-Central states — Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau — are expected to participate.

The meeting comes as Nigeria continues to face the challenge of increasing domestic food production while making farming more commercially viable for smallholder producers.

Source: Radio Nigeria — Farmers, investors set for Abuja meet to boost food production

A Platform for Farmers and Investors

One of the principal objectives of the forum is to bring farmers and potential business partners into direct contact.

Many smallholder farmers operate with limited access to financing, modern equipment, quality inputs, storage facilities and dependable markets. These constraints can make it difficult for them to increase production, improve product quality or expand beyond local trading networks.

The Abuja forum is intended to help address some of these challenges by creating opportunities for farmers to meet companies and investors offering agricultural products, services and other forms of support.

Participants are expected to include agribusiness owners, agricultural input suppliers, government representatives, cooperatives, youth groups and other stakeholders from across the country.

Through discussions and networking, farmers may be able to identify suppliers, explore potential partnerships and learn more about services that could improve the efficiency of their operations.

For investors and agricultural businesses, the gathering offers an opportunity to engage directly with producers, understand their needs and identify possible commercial relationships.

However, the success of such an event will ultimately depend on whether discussions lead to practical outcomes, including reliable market connections, affordable services, improved production methods and partnerships that continue after the forum closes.

A meeting can introduce farmers to new opportunities, but lasting benefits require transparent agreements, suitable financing arrangements and follow-through by the businesses and institutions involved.

Why Smallholder Farmers Matter

Smallholder farmers remain an important part of Nigeria’s food production system. They produce a wide range of crops and other agricultural products that support household consumption, local markets, food processing and trading.

Their contribution extends beyond farming itself. Agricultural activities generate demand for transport, packaging, storage, processing, equipment maintenance and retail distribution.

When smallholder farmers can increase their productivity and sell their produce at viable prices, the benefits can spread through rural economies and support employment across several connected industries.

Yet many producers face obstacles that limit their ability to benefit fully from agricultural markets.

Some lack access to affordable credit or suitable insurance. Others struggle with the cost of fertiliser, improved seeds, animal feed, irrigation equipment and machinery. Poor storage facilities and inadequate transport can also reduce the amount of produce that reaches consumers in good condition.

For farmers producing perishable goods, delays between harvesting and selling can be particularly costly. Without adequate storage or nearby buyers, producers may have limited bargaining power and be forced to accept unfavourable prices.

Access to timely agricultural information is another important consideration. Farmers need reliable advice on planting schedules, soil management, pest control, weather conditions, harvesting and market demand.

The forum’s emphasis on interaction between farmers and service providers could help participants identify some of the services available to address these problems.

Nevertheless, access must be practical and affordable. A farmer may learn about modern equipment at an exhibition but still be unable to purchase it without financing, cooperative ownership arrangements or a suitable rental service.

For this reason, discussions about investment need to consider the financial realities of smallholder agriculture as well as the potential commercial returns.

Women Farmers Take Centre Stage

The organisers have placed women farmers at the centre of this year’s event, reflecting their important contribution to agricultural production, processing, marketing and household food security.

Women participate in a wide range of agricultural activities across Nigeria, including crop cultivation, livestock keeping, food processing, trading and the management of small agribusinesses.

However, women farmers can face additional barriers when attempting to expand their businesses. These may include limited access to land, credit, agricultural extension services, machinery, technology and formal market networks.

Such barriers can make it harder for women to invest in improved production methods or move from small-scale operations into more profitable commercial activities.

A forum that actively connects women producers with buyers, lenders, input suppliers and training providers could help create opportunities to address some of these constraints.

The organisers have described the event as part of efforts to celebrate women farmers’ contributions and strengthen the position of smallholder producers in the agricultural economy.

For that ambition to translate into measurable progress, women participants would need more than recognition. They would benefit from opportunities to negotiate commercial agreements, access relevant training, obtain suitable finance and participate in decisions affecting agricultural development.

Women-led agribusinesses also need reliable routes to market. Where producers can access processing, packaging and distribution services, they may be better positioned to sell products beyond their immediate communities.

Improving those connections could help increase incomes, strengthen local food supply chains and encourage more women to invest in agricultural enterprises.

The focus on women is particularly relevant to food security because agricultural production and household nutrition are closely connected. When producers have greater earning opportunities and reliable access to markets, they may be better equipped to sustain their businesses and support their households.

However, any claims about the forum’s impact on women’s incomes or production will need to be assessed after the event, rather than assumed in advance.

Opportunities for Young People in Agribusiness

The programme is also expected to encourage greater participation by young Nigerians in agriculture.

Farming is sometimes viewed narrowly as crop production, but the wider agricultural economy includes many activities that can attract young entrepreneurs with different skills and interests.

These include food processing, agricultural logistics, machinery services, irrigation, livestock production, digital marketing, equipment maintenance, farm data services, packaging and produce distribution.

Young entrepreneurs may be able to identify opportunities in these areas without necessarily owning large farms. Some businesses can begin by serving farmers with specialised services, while others can develop new ways to connect producers with buyers.

Technology can also create opportunities for young people to support agriculture through weather information, digital record-keeping, market information and systems that help businesses coordinate deliveries.

Nevertheless, turning these possibilities into sustainable enterprises requires access to capital, practical training, reliable electricity and connectivity where relevant, suitable equipment and paying customers.

Agricultural entrepreneurship also carries risks. Prices can fluctuate, production may be affected by pests and weather, and businesses handling perishable goods must manage storage and transportation carefully.

Young people considering entry into the sector therefore need accurate information about costs, market demand and business management, rather than relying on the assumption that agriculture will automatically be profitable.

A well-organised forum can help by introducing aspiring entrepreneurs to experienced producers, suppliers and potential commercial partners.

It can also encourage cooperation between young people and established agricultural businesses, allowing participants to exchange knowledge and explore new services for the farming community.

The organisers’ decision to include youth groups signals an intention to widen participation beyond traditional agricultural networks.

The longer-term test will be whether young participants leave with useful contacts, practical knowledge and realistic pathways into agricultural employment or business ownership.

Including Persons With Disabilities

The planned emphasis on persons with disabilities adds an inclusion dimension to the event.

Agricultural opportunities are not equally accessible to everyone. Physical barriers, inaccessible training facilities, unsuitable equipment, limited financing and inadequate information can prevent some people from participating fully in farming and agribusiness.

Addressing these barriers requires practical measures that reflect the different needs of individuals.

Depending on the activity, support may include accessible training venues, appropriately designed tools, adapted equipment, inclusive financial services and information presented in accessible formats.

Agricultural businesses can also create opportunities in areas such as processing, packaging, produce trading, digital services and supply-chain management, where tasks can be organised to accommodate different abilities.

For inclusion to be meaningful, persons with disabilities need opportunities to participate in discussions and make decisions, rather than being treated only as recipients of assistance.

The forum could provide an avenue for participants to explain the barriers they face and engage with institutions or businesses capable of offering appropriate solutions.

Any lasting progress, however, would require continued engagement beyond the two-day programme.

Modern Farming and Agricultural Innovation

The forum is expected to promote modern farming techniques and showcase agricultural goods and equipment.

Improving productivity is an important part of strengthening food security, but higher output depends on several factors working together.

Farmers need suitable seeds and planting materials, healthy soil, adequate water, effective pest management, appropriate harvesting methods and access to reliable agricultural information.

In some locations, mechanisation can reduce labour demands and help farmers complete operations within suitable planting or harvesting periods. In others, small-scale irrigation, better storage, improved livestock management or access to processing equipment may offer more immediate benefits.

The right approach varies according to the crop, location, farm size, available resources and market conditions.

For smallholder producers, shared equipment services and cooperative arrangements may provide a more affordable route to mechanisation than purchasing expensive machinery individually.

Agricultural innovation should also extend beyond production. Processing, packaging, cold storage, transport and market coordination can determine whether increased output translates into higher incomes and more food reaching consumers.

For example, farmers may produce a larger harvest but lose part of it if they cannot store it safely or transport it to buyers quickly enough.

Investments in post-harvest handling can therefore be as important as investments in planting and harvesting.

The forum’s combination of farmers, investors and equipment providers could help participants examine these different parts of the agricultural value chain.

For the benefits to reach smallholder producers, demonstrations and discussions should be accompanied by clear information about equipment costs, maintenance requirements, financing options and the expected benefits of adoption.

Farmers also need to consider whether new methods are appropriate for their local conditions before investing scarce resources.

Food Security Goes Beyond Producing More Crops

Nigeria’s food security challenge involves more than the volume of food produced.

Food must also be available at prices households can afford, reach consumers safely and provide the nutrients people need. Reliable distribution, storage, processing and market access all contribute to the performance of the food system.

When transportation costs rise or storage is inadequate, food can become more expensive even when farmers have produced substantial quantities.

Similarly, weak links between producers and markets can prevent farmers from earning reasonable returns while consumers continue to face high prices.

Improving those connections is one reason agricultural forums increasingly bring together farmers, investors, processors, traders and government agencies.

The Abuja gathering could help participants identify opportunities for better coordination between production and distribution.

For instance, farmers may benefit from stronger relationships with processors that purchase produce in agreed quantities or with retailers that need regular supplies. Businesses, in turn, may gain from more dependable access to agricultural products.

Such arrangements can help reduce uncertainty, but they require clear terms, realistic pricing and timely payments.

Smallholder farmers must also be protected against arrangements that shift excessive risks onto producers or leave them dependent on a single buyer without reasonable alternatives.

Food security policies need to balance increased production with affordability, nutrition, resilience and the livelihoods of those who produce and distribute food.

The forum’s focus on sustainable growth and nutrition reflects the importance of considering these wider objectives alongside commercial opportunities.

Investment Must Reach the Farm Gate

Agricultural investment can take different forms, from financing farm inputs and equipment to supporting processing facilities, storage, transport and market infrastructure.

For smallholder farmers, the most useful investments are often those that address a clearly identified constraint in their operations.

Access to finance, for example, is valuable when repayment conditions match the timing and risks of agricultural production. Loans with unsuitable repayment schedules can create difficulties for farmers whose earnings depend on harvests or seasonal markets.

Equipment investments also need to be matched to actual demand. Machinery that is too expensive to maintain or rarely used may place a financial burden on a farm or cooperative.

Similarly, storage facilities require suitable management, energy arrangements and access to buyers if they are to reduce losses effectively.

The planned interaction between farmers and investors could help both sides identify opportunities based on practical needs.

Farmers can explain the challenges that affect their productivity and income, while investors can assess potential services and business models.

Government agencies and agricultural organisations may also help connect participants with information about training, technical assistance and existing support programmes.

But investment announcements should be distinguished from completed investments. The forum’s organisers have announced an event intended to facilitate connections; there is not yet evidence that it has produced specific financing commitments or increased farm output.

Any assessment of its success should therefore look at what follows the meetings, including partnerships established, finance made accessible, services delivered and improvements reported by participating farmers.

The Importance of Strong Agricultural Markets

Market access remains central to the viability of farming as a business.

A farmer’s ability to sell produce at a reasonable price affects decisions about what to plant, how much to produce and whether to invest in improved methods.

Where markets are unpredictable, producers may be reluctant to spend more on inputs or expand their operations.

Where buyers are dependable and payments are timely, farmers may have greater confidence to plan production and reinvest in their businesses.

The forum’s interactive format is intended to bring producers closer to businesses that can support these relationships.

Potential opportunities include supplying food processors, connecting with retailers, improving packaging, accessing wholesale buyers and developing distribution partnerships.

For agricultural businesses, a stronger relationship with farmers may improve supply reliability and help them understand seasonal production patterns.

However, successful market links require attention to quality standards, delivery schedules, storage conditions and pricing arrangements.

Farmers also need to understand the requirements of different buyers before committing to supply contracts. Failure to meet agreed specifications or delivery dates can affect both income and commercial relationships.

Training and transparent communication can help reduce misunderstandings and improve cooperation.

If the Abuja forum enables farmers to develop these skills and establish credible business contacts, it could contribute to stronger connections across the agricultural value chain.

Climate Risks and Sustainable Production

Agricultural production is also exposed to changing weather patterns, flooding, dry spells, heat and other environmental pressures.

These risks can affect planting decisions, livestock health, water availability and the timing of harvests. They can also increase costs and make income less predictable.

Farmers may respond through measures such as improving soil management, using suitable crop varieties, adopting water-saving practices, diversifying production and seeking reliable weather information.

The most appropriate measures depend on local conditions and the resources available to each farmer.

Sustainable production also requires responsible use of agricultural chemicals, protection of soil quality and careful management of water resources.

Where farmers have access to practical extension services and suitable technologies, they may be better equipped to manage production risks.

Investors and service providers can contribute by making relevant equipment, information and support available at prices farmers can afford.

The forum’s promotion of modern farming techniques and sustainable growth creates an opportunity to discuss these issues alongside the immediate commercial needs of producers.

However, sustainability should be measured through practical outcomes. The adoption of a new technique or the purchase of equipment does not automatically guarantee higher yields or lower environmental impacts.

Farmers need guidance, monitoring and opportunities to learn from experience as they introduce new practices.

What Organisers Hope to Achieve

According to Radio Nigeria’s report, the event is designed to help farmers discover available services, build business contacts and explore collaboration opportunities with investors and agricultural enterprises.

The programme is also expected to showcase locally produced agricultural goods and encourage the adoption of innovations intended to improve yields, sustainability and income.

VIWADA and AFAN’s FCT chapter introduced the annual celebration in 2024 as a platform to recognise farmers, share practical knowledge and support agricultural development, according to the report.

The 2026 edition also takes place during the International Year of the Woman Farmer, giving the organisers an opportunity to draw attention to women’s contributions to agricultural production and food systems.

The event’s broad attendance is intended to connect participants across different parts of the sector, from producers and cooperatives to suppliers, investors and public officials.

Such interaction can be useful because agricultural challenges rarely have a single solution. Increasing production may require better inputs, while improving profitability may depend on processing, finance or access to buyers.

A farmer’s needs may differ substantially from those of a large agribusiness, making it important for support services to reflect the circumstances of different producers.

The gathering provides a setting for these interests to meet, but participants will need to identify practical priorities and agree on realistic next steps.

Measuring the Results After the Forum

The immediate measure of the event will be participation, but attendance alone cannot establish whether it has strengthened agricultural production or food security.

A more useful assessment would examine whether farmers establish productive business relationships, obtain access to affordable services, receive useful training or secure reliable buyers for their produce.

Organisers and participating institutions could also track whether women farmers, young people and persons with disabilities gain meaningful access to the opportunities discussed.

Where partnerships are established, follow-up communication will be important to determine whether agreements are implemented and whether participants encounter barriers that require further support.

Farmers’ experiences can help identify which approaches are working and which need adjustment.

For example, if participants express interest in equipment but cannot afford individual purchases, shared machinery services may deserve further exploration. If farmers struggle to reach buyers, collective marketing or improved distribution arrangements may be more useful than additional production alone.

The outcomes should be judged on evidence rather than expectations announced before the event.

A transparent account of results could also help future organisers design more effective programmes and encourage investors to focus on needs identified by producers themselves.

A Timely Discussion as World Food Day Approaches

The Abuja forum is taking place ahead of World Food Day on October 16, an annual observance that draws attention to hunger, nutrition and the need for sustainable food systems.

Its emphasis on smallholder farmers, women’s participation and investment reflects several issues central to Nigeria’s agricultural development.

The country needs productive farms, but it also needs businesses capable of processing, storing, transporting and selling what those farms produce.

It needs young people to see viable opportunities in the sector and women farmers to have meaningful access to the resources and markets required to grow their enterprises.

It also needs investment that responds to the practical conditions of farming and supports reliable, sustainable production.

Bringing more than 500 farmers, investors and other stakeholders together could provide a useful starting point for those discussions.

The immediate priority will be to turn introductions and conversations into partnerships that deliver real benefits for agricultural producers.

What happens next?

The 2026 FCT Farmers’ Day and Farmers and Investors Interactive Forum is scheduled for October 13 and 14 at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

Farmers and other participants are expected to discuss modern farming methods, agricultural business opportunities, market connections and ways to strengthen the contribution of smallholder producers to food security.

Whether the gathering achieves its wider goals will depend on the quality of the partnerships formed and the practical support made available after the event.

For Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the central challenge remains turning farming into a more productive, resilient and commercially sustainable source of food, employment and income.

Sources and further reading

• Radio Nigeria: Farmers, investors set for Abuja meet to boost food production

• All Farmers Association of Nigeria

• Federal Capital Territory Administration — Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat