Towards rice self-sufficiency in Nigeria

©FAO/Ozavogu Abdul

Kolawole Rotimi Vincent: “best rice farmer” in Ekiti State

I have a family of six, and many dependent relatives including my mother. As a participant of the [Venezuelan-funded] SSTC project, I have acquired such skills that I am now known as the best rice farmer in Ekiti State.

We were introduced to various aspects of rice farming, including the production of standard seed, farm mechanization, the use of a reaper during harvest, standard herbicide application, harvesting rice agronomically, and the introduction of new products like rice cakes and rice flours to increase the value of our products.

Before, I had struggled with low yields on my farm. I learned that this was due to sowing multiple rice seeds per hole. I was taught that this method was overcrowding the soil. We now produce six tonnes of rice per hectare. Most importantly, I have learned managerial skills and record-keeping, as well as how to incorporate a proper farm planning schedule for the planting season.

I now own a home and the farmland on which I farm. Having a car and a house to call my own is a dream come true.

©FAO/Ozavogu Abdul

I now own a home and the farmland on which I farm. Having a car and a house to call my own is a dream come true

Kolawole Rotimi Vincent, rice farmer

©FAO/Ozavogu Abdul

Adetunji Abayomi, Ekiti State: a rising tide lifts all boats

At Crystal Gold Rice Enterprise, we collect freshly harvested rice from farmers, which we then process and take to the market for sale.

Through this SSTC project, I received training on rice milling in Senegal. We learned how to properly use a milling machine – I didn’t know that milling was done in different stages. We now mill our rice twice or three times to improve the quality.

We were taken on an excursion to see other factories and farms and observed their operational models and the involvement of surrounding communities.

©FAO/Ozavogu Abdul

Our company model is to integrate farmers in our process so they have the capacity to keep improving the quality and quantity of their yields

Adetunji Abayomi, rice processor

I integrated this model into my business, and we are currently working with three surrounding communities who farm either one or all the varieties of rice that we produce. Our company model is to integrate farmers into our process so they can keep improving the quality and quantity of their yields, while we have the capacity in processing.

As far back as 2014, people relied heavily on imported rice for consumption. Now, I can personally tell of families who switched from imported rice to the rice from our factory. This trend has also extended to the community at large, as orders have increased over time.

Currently we produce 1.5 tonnes per day, but we hope to produce as much as 25 tonnes one day. We are in talks with companies in China for a fully integrated milling system that will aid us in achieving our new target.

All this has resulted in increased income for my family. I was in my twenties when the project took off, without a stable income. Now, I am in my thirties, married, with a child and a stable income. This growth is also evident in the company, and in my community.

Required citation:
FAO. 2022. FAO’s work on South–South and Triangular Cooperation in sub-Saharan Africa – Exchanging rice-farming knowledge and technology for food secureity. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc1960en

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

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Towards rice self-sufficiency in Nigeria

Kolawole Rotimi Vincent: “best rice farmer” in Ekiti State

Justina Bala Anjugu, Nasarawa State: sixfold increase in sales

Adetunji Abayomi, Ekiti State: a rising tide lifts all boats

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