The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, has trained farmers in Ogun State on how to use the Agricultural Market Information System.

The initiative is aimed at improving access to real-time market data and helping smallholder farmers make better decisions. The training brought together agribusiness stakeholders, cooperative leaders, and farmers from various clusters in the state.

Participants learned how to access and interpret information such as commodity prices, demand trends, weather forecasts, and supply chain updates.

The platform is designed to connect farmers directly with buyers, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve their bargaining power. Officials explained that limited access to accurate market data has long been a major challenge for farmers, often leading to poor pricing decisions.

The State Programme Coordinator, Mrs Kehinde Jokotoye, highlighted the importance of the training for farmers’ daily operations. She noted that the state government and development partners are committed to improving productivity and adding value to agricultural activities.

The National Rural Institution Expert, Mr. Abel Ameh, described the system as a tool to link smallholder farmers to larger markets and increase their visibility.

Co-facilitators of the programme took participants through practical sessions on navigating the platform and analysing market trends. Farmers expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying it would help them plan better and sell their produce more effectively. The training is part of broader efforts to modernise agriculture and strengthen food security in the state.

The SAPZ programme is a Federal Government initiative supported by the African Development Bank, IFAD, and state governments. It aims to transform rural economies by establishing efficient agro-processing hubs linked to farmers. With the integration of digital tools like the Market Information System, stakeholders remain optimistic about improved livelihoods and sustainable agricultural growth in Ogun State.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper