By Juliet Umeh

In a bid to build on its existing achievements over the past 20 years, BATN Foundation has announced plans for the next two decades.

It said the plan is guided by a strategic five-year roadmap with a steadfast commitment to empowering rural Nigeria and promoting sustainable development.

It also noted that it is poised to expand its impact through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships.

According to the BATN Foundation, “Over the past two decades, we have made significant strides in supporting smallholder farmers, their families, and their communities. This impact is a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering economic growth.

“As we look to the future, we are more determined than ever to drive positive change and support the government’s efforts in achieving food sufficiency and security.

“This strategic plan is centred on creating sustainable livelihoods, promoting economic growth, and ensuring environmental sustainability anchored on six thematic areas which include: Enterprise development programme, EDP, capacity building programme, CBP, youth empowerment and empowerment programme, YEEP, grants & government-led interventions, environmental management and humanitarian aid

“Through this plan, we aim to foster enterprise development, focusing on empowering young business owners and women in the agricultural sector reaching at least 60,000 beneficiaries.

“We will support the establishment and scaling of at least 100 young agripreneurs to be job creators, and plant at least 50,000 trees through its afforestation project for environmental sustainability.

“We will be supporting the government’s efforts to achieve food sufficiency and security and focus on six priority agricultural value chains- rice, maize, cassava, vegetables, aquaculture and poultry.

“This initiative is designed to enhance productivity, improve market access, and increase the income of smallholder farmers. Through targeted interventions and capacity-building programs, the Foundation aims to strengthen these value chains, thereby ensuring a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector,” the foundation said.

General Manager of the Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, said: “Our commitment to rural development and sustainability has never been stronger. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of our initiatives in the lives of smallholder farmers and their communities.

“Whether it is through joint projects, shared research, or co-investment in community programs, our partnerships are integral to our mission.”

To achieve these ambitious goals, the BATN Foundation recognizes the critical importance of scaling up its projects and expanding its impacts across the nation. Over the next decade, the Foundation will engage in more partnerships and collaborations with other NGOs, agricultural stakeholders, public and the private sector. These dynamic partnerships will harness collective expertise, resources, and networks, driving impactful change in the agricultural sector and beyond.