Olam Agri Partners with IDH and Arzikin Noma to Boost Soybean Production in Nigeria

 

Olam Agri, a leading agribusiness in food, feed, and fibre, has entered a strategic partnership with IDH and Arzikin Noma, a Nigerian agricultural development firm driving innovation and partnerships in rural farming communities, to strengthen soybean production in Kwara State. The agreement aims to unlock the potential of smallholder soybean farmers, particularly women and young people, through a comprehensive support programme.

The partnership will empower 5,000 smallholder farmers across soybean-growing communities in Kwara State. This empowerment will be delivered through the provision of credit facilities for farming inputs, mechanisation support, financial access, training in sustainable practices, and crucial market linkage. It will strengthen agricultural development in the region alongside Olam Agri’s new 350,000 MT soybean processing facility in Kwara State, which is sourcing soybeans majorly from local producers, to meet the rising demand for high-quality feed and oil. This initiative for smallholder farmers in the soybean supply chain builds on the company's Seeds for the Future project which has supported farmers and farmer communities since 2021.

Olam Agri has been a long-standing supporter of the Kwara State Soybean Sustainability Programme, contributing equipment and training for agricultural extension workers. The company is now scaling up its efforts by integrating 5,000 smallholder farmers into its supply chain and implementing sustainable practices such as crop rotation and organic fertilization. Market access is crucial for empowering smallholder farmers and driving sustainable agricultural growth. This partnership will strengthen local agricultural productivity and also lay the groundwork for long-term farmer resilience and prosperity.

Speaking on the partnership, Eniola Fabusoro, Country Director at IDH, said "We are excited to partner with Olam Agri and Arzikin Noma to boost productivity across the soybean value chain in Kwara State, Nigeria. This partnership exemplifies our approach of bridging the gap between large corporations and smallholder farmers through local partners. By combining our networks, resources, and field experience with proven SMEs like Arzikin Noma, we can transform supply chains while ensuring measurable impact for 5,000 farmers and long-term value for all stakeholders. This initiative demonstrates how sustainable trade can drive both agricultural development and business success.

"Adeoluwa Adeshola, Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, added, “Our commitment to food security and sustainable farming remains strong. This partnership in Kwara will raise both the quality and quantity of soybean produced locally, and we are proud to play a role in driving that progress.”

Dr. Shailendra Mishra, Global Sustainability Head – Grains, Oilseeds, Feed, & Freight at Olam Agri said, “This partnership with IDH and Arzikin Noma marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and inclusive soybean value chain in Nigeria. The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the immediate participants, it serves as a model for how regenerative agriculture can transform communities, restore soil health, and drive economic growth. As we embark on this journey, we remain committed to scaling up and expanding our support, ensuring that more farmers can benefit from sustainable practices and market opportunities.”

Mustafa Turra, Vice President & Soybean Project Head at Olam Agri, emphasised, “This initiative promotes economic empowerment, enhances livelihoods, and boosts productivity, ultimately creating a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector in Nigeria. By investing in this project and serving as the offtaker for locally produced soybeans, we are not only strengthening our supply chain but also ensuring that farmers have reliable, transparent, and rewarding opportunities to sell their produce.”

Soybean, a strategic crop for nutrition and growth, plays a vital role in food and agriculture as a key source of protein and oil. Its wide use in food production, animal feed, and industrial applications makes it a staple in Nigerian households and a promising driver of local economic growth. This partnership therefore underscores the commitment of the three organizations to improved national food security and sustainable sourcing of key food ingredients.

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About Olam Agri

Olam Agri is a market leading, differentiated food, feed and fibre agri-business with a global origination footprint, processing capabilities and deep understanding of market needs built over 35 years. With a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and products across grains & oilseeds, wheat milling & pasta, rice, edible oils, specialty grains & seeds, animal feed & protein, cotton, wood products, rubber, sugar & bioenergy and risk management solutions, Olam Agri is at the heart of global food and agri-trade flows with 45.1 million MT in volume traded in 2024. Focused on transforming food, feed and fibre for a more sustainable future, it aims at creating value for customers, enable farming communities to prosper sustainably and strive for a food-secure future. Olam Agri Holdings Limited, which holds the Olam Agri business, is a 64.6% owned subsidiary of Olam Group. 35.4% of Olam Agri Holdings is owned by SALIC International Investment Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olam Agri’s strategic partner The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Company. For more information and to subscribe to our news alerts, please visit https://www.olamagri.com/.

About Olam Group

Olam Group is a leading food and agri-business supplying food, ingredients, feed and fibre to 22,000 customers worldwide. Our value chain spans over 60 countries and includes farming, processing and distribution operations, as well as a global network of farmers. Through our purpose to ‘Re-imagine Global Agriculture and Food Systems’, Olam Group aims to address the many challenges involved in meeting the needs of a growing global population, while achieving positive impact for farming communities, our planet and all our stakeholders. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Olam Group currently ranks among the top 30 largest primary listed companies in terms of market capitalisation on SGX-ST. Since June 2020, Olam Group has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global sustainable investment index series developed by FTSE Russell, following a rigorous assessment of Olam’s supply chain activities, impact on the environment and governance transparency. More information on Olam can be found at www.olamgroup.com.

About IDH

IDH's international presence extends to multiple regions and landscapes, facilitated by a network of around 400 staff, including experts who are embedded in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains. In 15 years of operation, IDH has mobilised private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.   Learn about our unique method of convening, co-creating and co-financing at www.idhtrade.org.  

About Arzikin Noma

Arzikin Noma is a leading Nigerian agri-impact enterprise dedicated to transforming smallholder agriculture into a commercially viable and climate-resilient sector. With deep operational roots across Northern Nigeria and a fast-growing footprint in the Southwest, Arzikin Noma has empowered over 400,000 smallholder farmers through an integrated value chain approach that combines sustainable production, regenerative practices, digital advisory, input financing, and market linkage.

Founded on the mission to unlock prosperity through agriculture, Arzikin Noma specializes in the cultivation and commercialization of bio-fortified grains and legumes—particularly maize, sorghum, soybean, and rice—while advancing food security, gender inclusion, and climate adaptation at scale. The company’s model aligns strongly with national and global priorities for sustainable food systems, leveraging data-driven extension services, public-private partnerships, and a robust last-mile distribution network.

With a proven ability to mobilize, train, and scale farmer networks, the company has emerged as a trusted partner to governments, development organizations, and agribusinesses seeking to build resilient rural economies.

As it collaborates with Olam Agri under the Kwara State Soybean Sustainability Programme, Arzikin Noma brings unmatched grassroots experience, inclusive technologies, and a scalable delivery model that ensures meaningful impact for smallholder farmers. Together, both organizations are forging a path toward a more equitable and sustainable agricultural future in Nigeria and beyond.

For partnership inquiries or further information, please visit www.arzikinnoma.com or email info@arzikinnoma.com.

 

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Name: Elizabeth Nnoko

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