The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Bengt Van Loosdrecht, has transferred the ownership and management of an inclusive agribusiness initiative called 2Scale to Nigerian scholars, farmers, and entrepreneurs, under the auspices of the Institute of Agribusiness Management Nigeria.
This transfer took place during a ceremony at the FCW Milk Bulking Centre in Iseyin, Oyo State.
The initiative serves as an incubator and accelerator for inclusive agribusiness through public-private partnerships.
After 13 years of funding from the Dutch government, the program has concluded, with its knowledge and methodologies now handed over to local stakeholders.
Throughout the project’s duration, smallholder farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises, business leaders, and local consumers have been empowered to ensure access to locally produced food in Nigeria.
The initiative has generated over €30 million in private sector returns, with more than €17 million facilitated for the value chain.
The ambassador expressed confidence in Nigerian farmers’ ability to continue the initiative, stating that “it’s been a fantastic project. It’s been there for 13 years, and it has enabled many farmers to thrive and expand their businesses.
“The project is not truly over; it has been handed over to the Institute of Agribusiness Management Nigeria.
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“We believe that the professors and others at the institute are capable of advancing the project because the farmers and stakeholders have gained valuable knowledge and expertise over the years.”
He added that he has no concerns about the project’s sustainability, noting that while funding from the Dutch government will cease, he anticipates that other stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, will recognize the project’s potential for inclusivity and benefits.
President of the Institute of Agribusiness Management Nigeria, Prof. Andi Brisibe, stated that the 13 years of the 2Scale initiative have significantly impacted the agribusiness sector.
Although the initiative is concluding due to policy constraints, he believes that the institute has a wealth of experienced academics and researchers who can elevate the initiative to new heights.
Prof. Brisibe remarked: “The 13 years that 2Scale has been operational in Nigeria have made a tremendous impact on the agribusiness sector.”
