The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast (Sharon Idahosa)

[00:00:00] Sharon Idahosa: Hey, beautiful people. Indeed, that is one of my biggest pleasure, is always when I went to my own farm. So, I think it is important to first understand what a healthy relationship with food is, for us to know what it is not. Not trying. I can relate, I can relate. Selfish. So, you could be your own farmer for years. [00:00:21] Sharon Idahosa: Trust. Trust me when I tell you there will always be challenges. There will always be risks. Seems like we have a lot in common. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. And of course, it's your favorite girl, Sharon Idar Russak. [00:00:42] Sharon Idahosa: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the final episode of our technology series. It's really been an amazing time discussing with agri technology brands with innovative solutions. for the advancement of the agriculture sector. But before we dive into today's topic, I would like you to [00:01:00] try out EOS data crop monitoring if you are a farmer, or you can contact EOS data sales team if you are interested in the custom agri tech product. [00:01:10] Sharon Idahosa: So today we want to take a deep dive into how AI power satellite imagery is playing a very crucial role in the agricultural industry today. So to get this episode started, join me. Welcome my guest for today, Lydia Lelychenko, Account Executive at EOS Data Analytics. Hello Lydia, how are you doing today? [00:01:31] Lidiia Lelechenko: Hi, Sharon. It is my pleasure to meet you. Hi, everyone, the audience. So yeah, I'm very excited to be the part of the podcast today to share some insight on the remote sensing and agriculture. Yeah. Thank you. [00:01:49] Sharon Idahosa: Great. Thank you so much for joining. I'm sure that this is going to be an insightful episode for our listeners out there. [00:01:56] Sharon Idahosa: I've seen this, um, topic to be a very interesting [00:02:00] one, and I, I really hope that our young people as well and all the businesses can also benefit from this episode. So thank you so much for joining again. So talking about how AI paths are like imagery and how it is transforming the agriculture industry.

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:00:41] Sharon Idahosa: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show, where we share the happenings, the trends and the opportunities in the agriculture sector. Now in today's episode, we will dive into poultry farming. A thriving business opportunity in Nigeria and, of course, across Africa. So while many [00:01:00] young people are super eager to jump into this lucrative field, it is crucial to understand some of the challenges that are involved, including the health issues, the And even mortality rates.

[00:01:14] Sharon Idahosa: So joining me today is Goldbold Chukwuebuka, a young entrepreneur who is excelling in the poultry industry and still experiencing the downside associated with poultry farming. Now we will uncover the essential knowledge every aspiring poultry farmer should have in order to succeed and sustain their business.

[00:01:36] Sharon Idahosa: Now, thank you so much for joining today, Chukwuebuka. I would really, really love to hear about your journey into the poetry, uh, into poetry farming. Please say hello to our guests, uh, audience rather. Thank you.

[00:01:49] Godbold Chukwuebuka: So, hello. By the way, my name is Godbold Chukwuebuka, not Chukwuebuka.

[00:01:53] Sharon Idahosa: Oh my, my apologies, my

[00:01:56] Godbold Chukwuebuka: apologies.

[00:01:57] Godbold Chukwuebuka: Godbold, Godbold, Godbold [00:02:00] Chukwemeka.

[00:02:04] Sharon Idahosa: Ah, thank you. And to think that I was actually singing with the name before and, and now I missed it. My apologies for

[00:02:13] Godbold Chukwuebuka: this. Thank you.

[00:02:14] Sharon Idahosa: It's a pleasure to have you here. So please tell us your journey to go farming.

[00:02:18] Godbold Chukwuebuka: So basically, it all started while I was in university. That was my 300 level, about entering second semester, 3 11 20 18.

[00:02:27] Godbold Chukwuebuka: Entering about entering 400 level. So we had this program in our school then with Central Bank of Nigeria under CDC, Southeast Entrepreneurship Development Center. So they came to empower We the students, about entering year, they came to empower us based on agribusiness and management, because that was what I studied.

[00:02:46] Godbold Chukwuebuka: The school. I studied agribusiness and management. So it was a three month program, was a three month program. The. It's going to go aspect of it is a second one to the practical aspect of it and th

Today, we are exploring the gender gaps in agriculture and how we can empower female farmers in Nigeria. And I have just the perfect speaker for that. So with a clapping ovation, join me as I welcome our guest for today, Grace Fosin, the country director at MEDA. Now, she's one of my favorite women at the forefront of gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria. Hi, Grace. Thank you so much for joining the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. I'm really excited to have you here today. Thank you. I can't wait for us to do this. Thank you, Sharon. Thank you, Sharon. The pleasure is mine. I'm happy to be here. Thank you. Thank you so much once again for joining. So I really want to make sure that you've received your blessings for the year because, I mean, we can't go and start the year without our blessings, can we? Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay. So I'd like to start with your personal experiences as a woman in the agriculture sector. I mean, I'm sure you must have had some difficulties at some point in your life. I mean, you've been through some sort of challenge through this phase of your life. I mean, considering we are in a male-dominated industry. So maybe you can share how you dealt with it. I mean, how it was like, because I know, I know, I know you know what I'm talking about, but. Of course, Sharon, you should ask me. I respect that. And as a woman in agriculture from the northern part of Nigeria, in fact, not Eastern Nigeria to be precise, it's interesting that my journey in this field, in the sector, began when I went to school. I took on that course. And just about four of us women taking the course amidst about 30-something men. You know, so it was a challenging time for us because we went to learn how to drive tractors, how to do all of these things. And for women, they're thinking, this is not something that, you know, it's a field that women should or it's not very popular, you know. But we were committed and we weathered the storm, the challenges. And we were able to come through. It's very interesting. I love the soil. For me, I'm somebody that I'm very, very passionate about farming. I'm passionate about agriculture. And so I grew from a family, a heritage of agriculture people. So that resonates with me even while I was in school. The challenges are there because basically, for everything, they prioritize men. So when it comes to agriculture, it's about giving land or imputes, whatever. Even in the course of my work that I am currently on, you see that the women actually don't get the first, you know, they are not prioritized. They don't get the first place in terms of maybe giving out land when you go to the agri-development program to secure a piece of land for the season. So you see this. These are all bottlenecks that women in agriculture face right from when they, as farmers in the field or as people who are working in the marketplace, everywhere, men are prioritized. Even though we want to talk about gender balance and all, but we still find it playing out in several places where we work. So that has been lingering. And I believe it's getting better, but we haven't conquered it all. Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. I am very, very certain that that whole gender balance thing is something that we are still going to continue working on because whether we like it or not, they are still going to show, give that preference to men. But then it's just about having more women coming out and still playing their roles. And that's why I really admire you and appreciate you for coming out and taking up leadership roles, you know, to inspire and educate more women. And if you'd like to advertise your business or your brand on the podcast, do be able to reach out to us as well. Podcast at letstalkagriculture.com.

It's the first episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show for the year 2024 and our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa decided to kick off with the awesome topic. In this episode, you'll hear first-hand what the farm-to-table movement is all about and the importance of connecting consumers with local food producers. Tune in! 🎙🎙🎙 🔥 For podcast sponsorship segments, mentions, and adverts, contact us. 💌podcast@letstalkagriculture.com 🔥 For brand management and to explore our services, visit our website. 🔗www.letstalkagriculture.com

[00:00:42] Sharon Idahosa: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast the podcast that connects you with the happenings, the trends, and opportunities in the agriculture sector.

[00:00:52] Sharon Idahosa: So, here's a quick information for us. We will be rounding up the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show for the year in [00:01:00] October and maybe stretch to November. Because we are trying to prepare for our year end vaccine, and if you'd like to be a part of it, please do well to reach out to us. Send an email to hello@letstalkagriculture.com.

[00:01:12] Sharon Idahosa: Now for today's episode, we will be looking at how the Zero Hunger Coalition is mobilizing Agri food systems actors to end hunger and malnutrition. Now, zero hunger is part of the SDGs and it must be addressed. So to help us learn more about the Unifying Effort, join me in welcoming Francine Picard, Director of Partnerships at Shamba Centre for Food and Climate.

[00:01:39] Sharon Idahosa: Hello, Francine. Thank you so much for joining the show today. I hope you've been well. 

[00:01:42] Francine: I'm fine, Sharon, and thank you for having me today. 

[00:01:45] Sharon Idahosa: It's a pleasure to have you here. When I saw your profile, I just thought, yeah, maybe we could connect. I, to be honest, I wasn't looking at the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast.

[00:01:54] Sharon Idahosa: I was trying to be very biased because I have A podcast for women. And I thought that, yes, maybe I [00:02:00] should have you on my personal podcast, but at the end of the day, we found ourselves here, which I think is amazing. So, thank you once again for joining LTA podcast. So, to get this episode started, maybe you can just give us an overview of what the Zero Hunger Coalition is all about.

[00:02:17] Sharon Idahosa: What is the inspiration behind this and why now? 

[00:02:21] Francine: Thank you, Sharon. Before I start talking about the Zero Hunger Coalition, I just want to reflect on You Wanted Me as a Woman, and I think that the Shamba Centre, the organization that I'm one of the co-founders, actually has an amazing story, because it's all about three amazing women.

[00:02:38] Francine: Sometimes it's also nice to recognize who we are, uh, that's joined forces all together to say, okay, let's work on, we have been working on the issue of ending anger, but let's put our forces all together to see, to then try and change things the way that we want to change it. Let disrupt the system the way you [00:03:00] think we are able to achieve it.

[00:03:01] Francine: So the Shamba Center is a new organization. We have two years of existence and then we are drafted by the passion and some of the passion actually is quite huge because it's all about How we can ensure that we are bringing idea, bold idea, and, and how we can move with all our idea to change things. So one of the initiatives that we thought could also respond to that quest is the Zero Hunger Coalition.

[00:03:29] Francine: So the Zero Hunger Coalition actually has been, uh, created, uh, as a response to the urgent global needs to address hunger and malnutrition. As you know, we are facing a huge amount of people. People now more than 700 are going to bed hungry. And this is really outrageous, is not acceptable. But this is also the reality.

[00:03:50] Francine: And I think that's, uh, the whole world gather together in 2021 during the work. UN, United Nations Food Systems Summit and say, what can we do together to actually ensure that the issue of malnutrition and hunger is not only about producing more food, is also for ourselves as an individual, as an institution, to see if we can, uh, Look that in a holistic way.

[00:04:17] Francine: We need to define the way that we are consuming the way that you are producing the way that our relationship to the food needs to be looked at differently in a very holistic manner in order to change things. So, the Zero Hunger Coalition came in that conversation and say, yes, but we need to ensure that hunger.

[00:04:38] Francine: need to disappear because the world is, is a plenty. We have enough resources. We have enough food, but we are not able to target that simple issue that actually somehow, I need to admit some, maybe we as a human were some selfish, uh, but we need to change that, that, that sound. [00:05:00] Um, so the, the coalition emerged as I say, uh, three years ago, it brings together government, private company, civil society, UN organization, because we need to walk towards the same goal.

[00:05:14] Francine: And I think it's all about finding long term solution and not just quick fixes as we used to do. I think we need to find a way that we can create a platform that actually leverage that willingness to change things and also to eradicate anger. 

[00:05:33] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you so much for that overview. I mean, I know how, how important it is for us to come together to achieve certain objectives.

What are the benefits of Carbon Credits for farmers in Africa? Transcription [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:42] Sharon Idahosa: Do you know that it can actually get a whole lot easier keeping the food supply chain safe and transparent? Join over 30, 000 food, beverage, ingredient, dietary and supplement companies across global supply chain for integrated food safety, quality and sustainability services. For more information, do go to visit foodchainid.com. [00:01:03] Sharon Idahosa: And now, welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. This is our final episode of the Sustainability Series, and I'm excited to bring today's episode your way, where we're going to be looking at carbon credits, how farmers can, you know, gain financial benefits through carbon credits, and even put a premium for their product. [00:01:23] Sharon Idahosa: So join me welcome our guests for today, from two different organizations working hand in hand to ensure that farmers get the best, I mean, what they deserve across Africa and beyond. Welcome, Emily. Welcome, Vasco. Thank you so much for joining the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. [00:01:41] Sharon Idahosa: How are you doing today? [00:01:42] Emily Urban Cordeiro: Good, good. Thank you so much for having us. [00:01:45] Vasco Van Roosmalen: Doing well, thank you. And again, yes, thank you so much for having us. It's a pleasure to be here. [00:01:49] Sharon Idahosa: It's always a pleasure speaking with industry experts. I mean, I've been doing this for over three years now and interacting with industry experts also helps me to widen my horizons as well. [00:02:00] Sharon Idahosa: So I really want to appreciate you coming on the show and sharing your knowledge with me and my audience as well. So once again, Thank you. [00:02:08] Emily Urban Cordeiro: Sure. You're very welcome. Looking forward to the conversation. [00:02:10] Sharon Idahosa: Sure. So, yes, let's start with you now.So, in simple and clear terms, what is carbon credit all about? You know, how is FoodchainId involved in the voluntary market as a private entity? [00:02:25] Sharon Idahosa: Let me just know, get more idea about what carbon credit is all about. That's what we've been hearing for so long now. So maybe this is a good avenue to learn more about it. It's simple terms that [00:02:35] Emily Urban Cordeiro: yes. And actually, you know, when we think about carbon credits and what this actually means in the context of smallholders for various market players. [00:02:46] Emily Urban Cordeiro: It is actually complex to think about, you know, Vasco at ReSeed, you know, he'll, he'll explain in great, great detail, of course, how it works from their perspective. And, and I want to, I want to just zoom out for a moment and share how, how carbon credit. It is a way to essentially meet climate goals and on this conversation, we're talking about nature forestry systems, but essentially leverage the, the natural ecosystems that we have to meet our climate goals, um, globally. [00:03:21] Emily Urban Cordeiro: And then really we'll go into great detail about how this trickles down into the farmers and how the farmers themselves are the core to this, the solution and nature based. They now have all the stakeholders and this is working across geographies, across cropping systems, across cropping system types, farm sizes, various farm sizes, and we are a certification verification body. [00:03:49] Emily Urban Cordeiro: I mean, I'm. What this means in current credit is that we, our third party, ensures that all credit yields and claims are in fact according to the [00:04:00] standards and protocol that they were, were, you know, generated from. So that's a little bit of a, a little bit of a background there. [00:04:07] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you for sharing. So maybe Vasco, you want to share your own perspectives. [00:04:11] Sharon Idahosa: I mean, I'm sure everybody has like a different explanation, so maybe you want to give a little bit of an introduction on carbon credits as well. [00:04:20] Vasco Van Roosmalen: Yes, thank you, and Emily, that was really good. Um, on our side, um, we always say that the objective here are not the carbon credits themselves. Carbon credits are a tool that were developed to help drive climate finance, to help Uh, parts of our economy decarbonize or reduce their emissions. [00:04:38] Vasco Van Roosmalen: Uh, and so the idea is that you're able to quantify, uh, current emissions within those economic sectors, let's say agriculture or transport, for example, and then you can quantify and you can direct. Actions that people are taking that are helping, uh, to reduce those emissions and direct finance to those who need that additional support to reduce their emissions. [00:05:00] Vasco Van Roosmalen: And so that's also why Reseed was founded because when we look at the carbon markets of the last 20 years Uh, the university of Berkeley found that fewer than or less than one percent of all carbon credits generated up until now Have actually come from the agricultural space. And that means that we haven't been able to use this mechanism to drive finance to help farmers both to maintain their carbon stocks and to maintain their actions that are driving the sequestration and removal of carbon, as well as helping them finance what they need to do [00:05:32] Vasco Van Roosmalen: to reduce their emissions. And so that is why we found that receipt to really focus on building that bridge and helping farmers access the financing that they need so that they can stay on their lands. They can maintain their regenerative and organic practices and maintain their their activities as well. [00:05:51] Vasco Van Roosmalen: Was drive additional finance that's necessary, uh, to help them decarbonize. [00:05:55] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you for sharing. Thank you for sharing. So I got an insight into a case study where both your organizations are collaborating to supplement, um, Brazilian across, um, cocoa farming. I mean, trying to help the Brazilian cocoa farmers [00:06:11] Sharon Idahosa: with your income through carbon credits. So do you mind elaborating more on this? What role did your organizations play to support this project? Let's hear from you Vasco, please. [00:06:21] Vasco Van Roosmalen: Thank you, Sharon. So yes, so both ReSeed and FoodchainID started a partnership with a Brazilian chocolate company that's called Dengo that has a really high level of involvement in supporting their cocoa producers. [00:06:36] Vasco Van Roosmalen: Uh, to help them measure and also drive again, climate finance, carbon finance to support these farmers, most of whom are smallholder farmers. So when we looked at, at what was going on in the supply chain, over 75 percent of, uh, the farmers in these cacao supply chains of this in the chocolate industry, they are smallholder farmers, and the vast majority of them live on less than a living income. [00:07:01] Vasco Van Roosmalen: And yet, when you're looking also, uh, as in many other countries, many of these farmers actually farm in a way that they're protecting forests. Uh, so in Bahia, you have, uh, In Brazil, uh, the farmers are the response. The cocoa farmers are responsible for maintaining the last remnants of the Atlantic forest in that region of Brazil as they plant the cacao trees under the shade of the larger tree. [00:07:23] Vasco Van Roosmalen: And this way of working this way of growing and making the forest productive while protecting the forest is something that is a really beneficial to all of us as we are looking to reduce deforestation. And so we want to be able to recognize that. And so, ReSeed and foodChainID have worked together and currently we we are working with the farmers in that region to be able to recognize the fact that they are protecting this forest as well as helping them increase the amount of Um, of additional carbon that they can draw down both by improving the soils and that's what's [00:08:00] one of the identified needs by the farmers themselves is how do we increase our yields? [00:08:05] Vasco Van Roosmalen: How do we increase the product? Our productivity of our soils and the health of our souls? And that is a key factor. And that's where, where Dr. Emily is actually, uh, the expert. And so that way we are able to drive finance to these farmers. And at this point, we are able to increase these farmers income between 30 and 50 percent from their current incomes based on bringing in this carbon. [00:08:29] Vasco Van Roosmalen: Finance, which recognizes their protection activities of their carbon stocks and their shoals and forests, as well as supporting them with those additional action. And that's been a key point. And as, as we know, in the cacao sector, uh, over this, uh, the last few months, there's been a tremendous upheaval, right? [00:08:47] Vasco Van Roosmalen: With less supply, uh, prices have gone, uh, to record highs. And there is this. Definitely this instability in the supply, and we need this additional investment to those people who actually are sustaining our entire chocolate industry, which are in the vast majority are smallholder farmers, both in West Africa and in Africa, as well as in countries like Brazil.

Still on the Currency Fluctuation Saga in Nigeria. In our previous episode, our founder and podcast host discussed navigating currency fluctuations in Nigeria from a farmer’s POV which highlighted some challenges faced and strategies farmers can implement to navigate challenges in times like this. This week's sequel episode is all about the commodity market/traders. What impact do the currency fluctuations have on the commodity traders in Nigeria? Is it a Negative or a Positive impact? Find out as Sharon Idahosa discusses with one of the largest commodity trading companies in Africa. Check out the Trade Stylist YouTube Channel to stay updated with the commodity trade news.

[00:00:00] Grace Njoroge: Hey, beautiful people. Indeed, that is one of my biggest pleasure, is always when I went to my [00:00:06] Sharon Idahosa: own farm. So, I think it is important to first understand what a healthy relationship with food is, for us to know what it is not. Not trying. I can relate, I can relate. Selfish. So, you could be your own farmer for years. [00:00:18] Sharon Idahosa: Who knows? [00:00:21] Grace Njoroge: Trust, trust me when I tell you there will always be challenges. There will always be risks. [00:00:26] Sharon Idahosa: Seems like we have a lot in common. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. And of course, it's your favorite girl, Sharon De La Rosa. Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. [00:00:46] Sharon Idahosa: My name is Sharon Idahosa and I am your host. Today I'm excited to bring another episode, Your Way, still on the AgriFinance series, here on the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. Joining me [00:01:00] today is one of Mexico's finest, Grace Njoroge. Hopefully I got that correctly. She is the technical director of programs. [00:01:09] Sharon Idahosa: And she will be discussing the impact of digital finance in the agriculture sector. Now they have been actively supporting smallholder farmers, you know, to easily get access to finance and we are here to get more details about it and ensure that. Those that are looking out for finance, especially women can really benefit from this. [00:01:28] Sharon Idahosa: So please guys, stay tuned and get the best out of this episode. Thank you for joining the show today. How are you doing Grace? [00:01:35] Grace Njoroge: Thank you for having me Sharon. I am doing very well. Thank you. Um, thank you for having me on the show and I'm looking forward to the discussion. [00:01:44] Sharon Idahosa: Great. Great. So tell us, how has it been so far working in, in this space? [00:01:49] Sharon Idahosa: Great. I know many people do not like, uh, or many of us that got into this space, we didn't really study agriculture or it wasn't, uh, it wasn't something we planned, [00:02:00] but then again, we found out Celsia maybe because we wanted to, we saw a problem and wanted to solve it. So I want to know what actually got you to this space. [00:02:08] Sharon Idahosa: direction while you're working in agriculture and agri finance as well. So please do share if you can. Thank you. [00:02:15] Grace Njoroge: Thank you. Thanks Sharon. So, um, I always, um, say for those who know my story is I, I got into the Um, digital space, the agricultural space. Um, um, by fluke, I studied, um, I studied, I studied bachelor's of business administration for my undergrad. [00:02:34] Grace Njoroge: Um, and I remember I was in a public university. So, um, I remember we still have the career fairs where, you know, most of the institutions that used to come for the career fairs were, um, financial institutions, the banks, the insurance companies. Some of the consultancy companies, the audit companies, etc. [00:02:51] Grace Njoroge: And so when I was graduating, I really was looking forward to working for, um, you know, that kind of institution and my, my dream did come true. I [00:03:00] joined one of the leading financial institutions, uh, banks here in Kenya. Um, and when I joined I was, you know, starry-eyed. I was very looking forward to it. Um, I got some money from my grandmother to, you know, buy a couple of, um, suits, um, you know, the, um, nice power suits because I, I thought I'd be walking in the banking hall in my power suit, in my high heels, um, you know, serving customers. [00:03:23] Grace Njoroge: 'cause this is the image we had of, um, bank stuff, um, when we were young. But then, um, shocker me when I joined, um, there was this new department that had been opened in the bank, um, the microfinance department.

As the value of the dollar fluctuates, it presents a significant challenge for those in the agriculture industry. Prices of food, inputs, commodities, and more are soaring higher like never before leaving consumers, farmers, and businesses in a chaotic state. Join us as we explore the effects of currency fluctuations on farmers, and discuss potential strategies for navigating this complex economic landscape. For sponsored segments, full advertising options, and mentions, send an email to us. podcast@letstalkagriculture.com

Welcome to the first episode of our sustainability series where we explore innovative solutions and practices that contribute to a more sustainable future. In this episode, our podcast host Sharon Idahosa had a seat with Yemisi Iranloye to discuss the sustainable solutions in cassava processing which was an eye-opener because Yemisi shared insights about the cassava value chain. Transcript: [00:00 - 00:10] hello beautiful people indeed that is one of my biggest pleasure is always when i went to my own so i think it is important to first understand what a healthy relationship with [00:10 - 00:23] food is for us to know what it is not don't try i can't believe i can't believe selfish so you could be your own farmer pretty soon who knows trust trust me when i tell you there will [00:23 - 00:34] always be challenges there will always be risks seems like we have a lot in common on welcome to the let's talk agriculture podcast show and of course it's your favorite girl [00:34 - 00:47] hello beautiful people welcome to the let's talk agriculture podcast show the podcast that connects [00:47 - 01:00] you with the happenings trends and opportunities in the agriculture sector my name is sharon idahoza and i am your host if this is your first time learning about let's talk agriculture [01:01 - 01:08] we are an industry-specific public relations and communications firm helping agriculture businesses [01:08 - 01:21] build their brands increase awareness and establish leadership in their areas of specialization now if this interests you then do well to visit let's talk agriculture.com [01:21 - 01:29] or send an email to hello at let's talk agriculture.com for more information and now [01:31 - 01:37] our sustainability series where we explore innovative solutions and practices that [01:37 - 01:45] contribute to the most sustainable future this episode is sponsored by sotry international [01:45 - 01:52] the leading agro-aligned cassava processing company in africa so in today's episode [01:53 - 02:00] we are super thrilled to have yemisi the founder of cassava processing company [02:01 - 02:07] joining us now i mean this woman is an amazing woman i mean i've seen so many things that she [02:07 - 02:14] has been doing so far and i can tell you that she is worth celebrating thank god we are still [02:15 - 02:22] in the month to celebrate women so this is my chance to say i mean you're doing amazing so [02:22 - 02:29] thank you so much for joining this show um yamisi's company produces cassava based sorbitol [02:29 - 02:35] it all a versatile raw material used in food and beverage production toothpaste production [02:35 - 02:43] confectionery just name it so we will delve into how our company is driving sustainability through [02:43 - 02:51] cassava processing thank you so much for joining the show today how are you doing um i'm very well [02:51 - 02:58] thank you sharon how are you too well i'm doing okay i'm doing okay getting ready to take a leave [03:00 - 03:06] very soon i'm gonna share what i'm taking the leave hopefully hopefully i wouldn't okay [03:06 - 03:14] is that sorry i said well deserved ah yes well deserved i mean what does that mean [03:16 - 03:28] yeah i'm waiting for it i hope everything is going well with your business we're doing well we thank god though the um the economy is a bit harsh but [03:29 - 03:35] we're doing our best i can imagine i can imagine our last episode we're talking about the currency [03:35 - 03:43] fluctuations and how it's in affecting farmers and then the commodity market so i understand how [03:43 - 03:52] all of this is playing a major role for for jesus for farmers ah well i only wish that things would [03:52 - 03:59] get better to be honest i wish that this would just um take shape and help us get back on our feet for a [03:59 - 04:06] second yeah okay so to get this episode rolling can you share with our listeners how your company

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:00:42] Sharon Idahosa: Hey, beautiful people. Welcome to the technology series, where we explore the innovative solutions and trends

[00:00:48] Sharon Idahosa: that are shaping the future of farming and agribusiness. I'm excited to bring the first episode of the technology series your way, because today we will be hearing from an [00:01:00] agritech startup making waves in the poultry farming industry. And believe me when I say you don't want to miss this one. So sit tight

[00:01:07] Sharon Idahosa: and enjoy this podcast interview. Meanwhile, if you haven't checked out the brand management offering, let's talk agriculture has in store for you, then you should really go see it because there is something for you as an agri SME, as an agri MSME and as a business. So do well to visit letstalkagriculture.com

[00:01:28] Sharon Idahosa: to get started. Now back to today's episode, we are going to be looking at the significance of decreasing feed costs and improving productivity in poultry farming. Now our poultry farmers in Nigeria are faced with high cost of feed that is leading to business closure and increase in the price of eggs.

[00:01:51] Sharon Idahosa: I mean, we all eat eggs in Nigeria. I mean, So many people do, so this is a major challenge for us and this is a challenge [00:02:00] for many poultry farmers and even consumers. I believe that at the end of this episode we would have gotten a solution to the major challenges of our poultry, our poultry farmers are dealing with.

[00:02:13] Sharon Idahosa: I mean this podcast is to help you get, you know, solutions and that is why we are here today. But before we get started. Before we get there, join me, welcome our guests for today's show. Mfon Uwa, the founder and CEO of Yiieldy. Hopefully I got your name correctly.

[00:02:34] Mfon Uwa: Yes, you do.

[00:02:36] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you so much for joining the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast.

[00:02:39] Sharon Idahosa: How are you doing today?

[00:02:41] Mfon Uwa: I'm fine Sharon. Thank you for having me.

[00:02:44] Sharon Idahosa: It's a pleasure. I mean, it's really amazing to have, um, the founders of Startups. I mean, I like to see founders doing amazing things in the agriculture space. You know, so many technology coming to the picture, but yeah, we want to see how [00:03:00] that technology is really transforming the agricultural sector because the agricultural sector has so much to offer and we have to make sure that technologies play a crucial role in advancing the agricultural industry.

[00:03:14] Sharon Idahosa: So thank you for your contribution. And I'm glad to get this episode started and hear your story and what you're doing in your company. So thank you once again for joining the show today.

[00:03:24] Mfon Uwa: You're welcome, Sharon. Thank you for having me.

[00:03:27] Sharon Idahosa: It's a pleasure. So tell us what is the inspiration behind Yiieldy and the development of  Yiieldy Feeds app ? because I know that you're really working on launching your feeds app for poultry farmers.

[00:00:00] INTRO [00:00:44] Sharon Idahosa: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to another episode of our technology series, where we explore the innovative solutions, trends and advancement that are shaping the future of farming and agribusiness. This episode is brought to you by Let's Talk Agriculture; An industry specific public relations and communications firm specializing in agriculture. [00:01:06] Sharon Idahosa: So if you're an agriculture business looking to build your brand, establish total leadership, host industry events, or train your employees on leadership, communication, and more, then quickly visit letstalkagriculture. com to get started. So in today's episode, we want to look at some of the strategies to increase the productivity of farmers. [00:01:28] Sharon Idahosa: And we have the best person right here to share his insights with us. So friends join me. Welcome Ibrahim Maigari, the CEO of Rise Africa, a remarkable player, revolutionizing agriculture through technology. Thank you so much for joining the show today. How are you doing? [00:01:47] Ibrahim Maigari: I'm doing fine, Sharon. Thank you. [00:01:49] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you. It's a pleasure to have you. Hopefully I got your name correctly. [00:01:53] Ibrahim Maigari: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, perfect, perfect. I was looking out for that, but you got it right. [00:01:59] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you. So I would just really like to know a little bit more about you. I mean, I'm sure my audience would like to, you know, want to hear a little bit about you. [00:02:09] Sharon Idahosa: I mean, I didn't give a really thorough introduction. So please tell us a little bit about you. What's your journey like in the agriculture industry? [00:02:16] Ibrahim Maigari: So thank you once again Sharon for having me. I, I sincerely commend you for the beautiful work you're doing and spotlighting the activities of many players in the agricultural space. [00:02:29] Ibrahim Maigari: I think we need more. So yeah, um, my name is Ibrahim. Um, I've been a lawyer for, this is my decade as a lawyer, but, uh, my journey into technology, uh, started about, um, I've been involved in starting managing. Co-founding of technology startups in Nigeria. Um, our journey in technology started with, uh, with animal identification and management system.

Over the years, agriculture has evolved significantly, and farmers around the world are constantly seeking new ways to optimize their operations and make them more sustainable. Renewable Energy and Agroforestry have been gaining traction within the agricultural sector. In this episode, we will be learning more about Agroforestry. Our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa discusses this with Renato Canuto. https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/downloads/Publications/PDFS/B17460.pdf

[00:00:00] Sharon Idahosa: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to another episode of the Sustainability Series brought to you by Let's Talk Agriculture. So we are an industry specific public relations and communications firm specializing in agriculture. So just in case you haven't explored our website to see what we have in store for you, quickly visit letstalkagriculture.com for more information. [00:00:25] Sharon Idahosa: So our previous sustainability series featured a phenomenal woman who joined us to, you know, how she's leading the change in the Cassava Valley chain. and the industry at large. Today we want to dive into another interesting episode, digging deep into regenerative agriculture. [00:00:44] Sharon Idahosa: Now the question, how can we empower farmers for a sustainable future? So, join me, welcome Tania Roa, the climate justice and wildlife advocate at Sustainable Harvest International. Hello, Tanya. How are you doing today? Thank you so much for joining the show. [00:01:01] Tania Roa: Great. Thank you so much. I'm so glad I get to talk today about Sustainable Harvest International's work. [00:01:07] Tania Roa: Um, it's going to be really exciting. I'm just glad to be here. [00:01:10] Sharon Idahosa: Great. Hopefully just relax. I mean, it's It's not just gonna be a stressful thing to just relax and let's just try to enjoy ourselves basically. So I'd like to know a little bit about you because I haven't really seen so much about you. So maybe you can tell us just a little bit about you, what you experience as a climate justice and wildlife advocate. [00:01:32] Tania Roa: Sure. So right now, I'm the communications and outreach coordinator at Sustainable Harvest International. And with Sustainable Harvest International, we're working with family farmers in Central America, um, who are transitioning to regenerative agriculture. A lot of them grew up learning conventional agriculture. [00:01:51] Tania Roa: It's just the default practice that they learned, which includes burning forests and then growing crops, um, in that burned land, but that just leads to a lot of health effects, uh, for them and for the planet. Of course, we don't want to burn forests. And so, What we do is just help them learn a new way of agriculture; regenerative agriculture that we'll be talking about. [00:02:14] Tania Roa: And so my part in that role is just sharing their stories as a communications coordinator. And it's just really exciting to see how they can really transform their lives with just a new, what seems very simple, a new practice, um, but really a profound and transformational way to better their lives and better. [00:02:38] Tania Roa: the environment that they live in. [00:02:40] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you for sharing that. So, I think it's really important that we try to create awareness around, um, climate change because so many people are still focused on burning and I really don't know who gave them the idea. I mean, I see this often. I just can't help but wonder why are you burning? [00:03:00] Sharon Idahosa: And the most annoying part of it is, yeah, it's annoying to me really because they do this during the dry season when everywhere is dry and then you start burning. What are you burning really? What? You see dust flying everywhere. And it's, it's just, it just makes the whole environment messy. And I mean, you can't really breathe in such air or something. [00:03:25] Sharon Idahosa: So, I think it's really amazing. Um, what you're doing and also helping them to, you know, change the way they have been operating over time. Hopefully we can get more people to do this because people just have a particular mindset already that this is how it should be done. And I really don't know who said we should be gone and done.

[00:00:00] Sharon Idahosa: Hey, beautiful people. Indeed, that is one of my biggest pleasure, is always when I went to my own farm. So, I think it is important to first understand what a healthy relationship with food is, for us to know what it is not. Not trying. I can relate, I can relate. Selfish. So, you could be your own farmer priest.

[00:00:19] Sharon Idahosa: Who knows? Trust, trust me when I tell you there will always be challenges. There will always be risks. Seems like we have a lot in common. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. And of course, it's your favorite girl, Sharon Idahosa.

[00:00:44] Sharon Idahosa: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. I want to appreciate all of my listeners for being patient with me for the past two months. I mean, I really appreciate your support. So I had to go on a short break to welcome my little princess to the world. And I'm back now to, you know, bring fresh [00:01:00] episodes your way. So if this is your first time listening to the podcast, my name is Sharon Idahosa.

[00:01:06] Sharon Idahosa: And I am the founder of Let's Talk Agriculture Limited, a public relations and communications firm specializing in agriculture. Now, Let's Talk Agriculture handles everything about your agriculture business. So if you're ready to build your brand, kindly get in touch with us at hello at letstalkagriculture.com

[00:01:25] Sharon Idahosa: The website and email link will be available. So today my message is simple. I want to share with you all the impact of podcasting on your agriculture communication. So yes, you are an agricultural business founder and you run your own business, or you are an entrepreneur looking to connect and share your message with a wider audience.

[00:01:49] Sharon Idahosa: Podcasting is one of the best ways you can do that. Now in agricultural communication, podcasting has emerged as a powerful tool or a medium to, you [00:02:00] know, share valuable insights, engage your audience and establish leadership and even showcase your business. You know, it allows you to freely connect and give to your target audience.

[00:02:12] Sharon Idahosa: Making a mark in their lives, positioning your expertise right in front of them and becoming a go to person when they decide to buy. You see now podcasting can do a whole lot and in not just communicating your brand message or connecting with your target audience, it can also set you up for life. Now here are some of the key reasons.

[00:02:34] Sharon Idahosa: Podcasting matters for your agriculture communication. Number one is that it helps you reach a global audience. Now, podcasting helps you to connect with more than just your target audience. You get to connect with farmers, researchers, industry professionals, Consumers and a lot more it doesn't just limit you to just your target audience It helps you to connect with more people more people [00:03:00] from across the globe get to listen and hear about you about your brand So leveraging podcasting will help you connect to a global audience Another one is that it helps you to build credibility now credibility is something that You need as a business owner, it is something that you need for your business.

[00:03:17] Sharon Idahosa: So one of the best things that podcasting can do for you is to help build credibility. And that's one thing, like I said, that you need. Now, through podcasts, you get to share your insights, industry trends, engage with industry experts via your podcast. And this will help you to position yourself as a A trusted authority in the field.

[00:03:37] Sharon Idahosa: Now, let's talk agriculture limited is a public relations and communications film, but yes, we have the let's talk agriculture podcast. And very soon you're pushing out the let's talk agriculture TV show. Now, podcasting has helped us to, you know, connect with the various and many, many, many stakeholders across the globe.

[00:03:56] Sharon Idahosa: We've connected with so many stakeholders, so many [00:04:00] businesses, and we've given opportunities to a whole lot of them. So, you know. Composition themselves as an authority. Now we have succeeded in positioning ourselves as an authority in the agriculture sector. So this is the best way for you to build credibility.

[00:04:14] Sharon Idahosa: And it's one of the ways for you to enhance your brand. So do well to leverage podcasting for your business. Now, the third one is it helps you to drive engagement. Now, podcasting in agriculture is not just about. Spreading information. It's about fostering a community one episode at a time. Right? So in the world of podcasting, you get to freely converse with your audience.

[00:04:40] Sharon Idahosa: You get feedbacks and you build a community. Community is very important and podcasting will help you to do that. So when you start a podcast, it definitely help you to build a strong business, and I believe you want that. So what will tell key others about podcasting? Five years to get, you can get there in less than five years because you have [00:05:00] played your card differently and that's podcast.

[00:05:03] Sharon Idahosa: So I hope that you learn from this short episode and very profound message. Learn from this episode and take your business to the next step. Learn to communicate your agricultural message through the podcast. So if you like to launch. Your podcast will elevate your podcasting skills, but you're not sure on how to go about it.

[00:05:25] Sharon Idahosa: I can definitely help you. I train young professionals and executives looking to improve their communication skills and become professionals when it comes to podcasting. So if you like to learn or get started, visit coachli.co/sharonidahosa. I'll drop the link in the transcript, or you can also visit sharonidahosa.com.

[00:05:46] Sharon Idahosa: Now, stay tuned for another episode from the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. My name is Sharon Idahosa and I am your host. Do well to subscribe to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast. We are available on Apple, on [00:06:00] Spotify, on so many platforms that you can think of. Do well to subscribe and follow us on our social media channels.

[00:06:07] Sharon Idahosa: We're on LinkedIn, we're on Facebook, and we're on Instagram. If you're ready to build your brand, make your agriculture business look more attractive, do well to visit letstalkagriculture.com. We have so much in store for you and I'm sure you don't want to miss it. Do well to subscribe and follow us. Once again, do enjoy your day.

[00:06:25] Sharon Idahosa: Signing off, Sharon Idahosa.

[00:00:00] Intro [00:00:36] Sharon Idahosa: Hey guys, welcome to another episode of our sustainability series. [00:00:41] Sharon Idahosa: It's really been an exciting and insightful time for me. I mean, I've been discussing with industry experts with a sustainability focus globally. Now, if this is your first time joining or listening, we've had about two episodes already, and you may want to go back and listen. [00:01:00] All of our episodes are available on letstalkagriculture. com [00:01:03] Sharon Idahosa: Now, this episode is exclusively sponsored by FoodChainid. So for more information, please do well to visit foodchainid.com. My name is Sharon Idahosa and I am your host. Once again, welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. Today, I will be discussing with two amazing personalities who will be sharing their perspective [00:01:26] Sharon Idahosa: and the work that they do on the topic of regenerative agriculture. So friends, families join me welcome Charles of Virco Group and Dr. Rudolf of Food Chain ID. Hello, gentlemen, thank you so much for joining the show today. How are you doing? [00:01:43] Ruud: Doing very fine. Thank you very much. And pleased to talk to you. [00:01:47] Sharon Idahosa: Charles. [00:01:48] Charles: I'm doing great, Sharon. Great. I'm doing great, Sharon. It's great to be here. so [00:01:51] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you so much. So I'm really excited about what we are going to learn today. And for us to get this ball rolling, I'm just going to need [00:02:00] to get your perspective on regenerative agriculture. What does it mean? What is, what is the idea behind regenerative agriculture? [00:02:09] Sharon Idahosa: Charles, maybe you can go first and then Rudolf, you can take over from Charles. [00:02:13] Charles: Okay. Thank you. Thank you for that. So over the years, um, quite recently, regenerative agriculture has become such a hot topic in the agricultural space, especially in this current times that there are issues with climate change and we're seeing the effects on what climate change is doing for us. [00:02:34] Charles: So to break it down to a simple term, regenerative agriculture from how I see it is all about farming or if you're into grazing, while solely based on regenerating the topsoil and allowing farmers to maintain crop yields, improve water retention, plants uptake, but the bottom line is increasing farm profitability and especially with how the food production currently [00:03:00] Charles: is leaning towards in terms of trends, there's a big importance on how people want to know food is being produced. So with this kind of situations, these are when regenerative agriculture comes into place because it puts a lot more focus, not just on crop, not just on crop yield, but more on strengthening the health and the vitality of the farm soil. [00:03:22] Charles: Because at the end of today, You know, once you put in these activities into your planting, you know, it helps a lot in the long term. So it's a, it's a, it's a, it's a, system that is being smiled upon now globally. And even with the issues with climate change that we are even experiencing here in Nigeria, you know, it's become important that these are the methods that should be adopted. [00:03:48] Charles: in the current day and time for farming, farming practices right now. So that's it's just a short, short, short idea on what we what we coined the term or [00:04:00] believe in the term; regenerative agriculture. [00:04:02] Sharon Idahosa: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I would have wanted to ask how well it's really been adopted here in Nigeria, but maybe we'll come to that briefly. 00:04:12] Sharon Idahosa: Let me just hear from Rudolph. So, over to you. Yeah,

Welcome to another episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a critical topic—branding and marketing for agribusinesses. Many African agribusinesses do great work, yet they struggle to differentiate themselves in the market. Without strong branding, it becomes difficult to attract investors, customers, and partners.

So, what can we learn from global food brands that have successfully built recognizable and trusted identities? Let’s break it down.

First, let’s talk about Dangote Group. Dangote has established itself as a dominant player, not just in agriculture but across multiple industries. What’s the secret? Consistency in branding. From product packaging to marketing campaigns, their identity remains the same, making them instantly recognizable. This is something many agribusinesses in Africa overlook—the power of consistency in messaging, design, and positioning.

Next, we look at Nestlé and how they adapted their marketing to fit African cooking styles. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, Nestlé tailored its branding and communication to resonate with local consumers. This is a key lesson—understanding your audience and localizing your messaging can set you apart.

Then there’s Olam Agri, which has positioned itself as a sustainability-driven agribusiness. In today’s market, consumers and investors are paying more attention to sustainability. Olam Agri didn’t just adopt sustainability as a practice, they made it part of their brand story, which helped them stand out and build trust.

So, what’s the key takeaway? African agribusinesses must be intentional about branding. Whether it’s through consistency, audience-centered messaging, or sustainability, branding is what makes your business visible, credible, and competitive.

At Let’s Talk Agriculture Limited, we help agribusinesses develop strong branding, marketing, and communication strategies that position them for success. If you’re struggling with differentiation, now is the time to start building a brand that lasts.

Tune in to this episode to learn how you can apply these lessons to your agribusiness. Let’s make African agribusinesses impossible to ignore!

Intro: [00:00:00] Sharon Idahosa: [00:43:00] Hello beautiful people. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show, where we bring you the latest trends, opportunities, and innovations in the agriculture industry. Now this episode is brought to you by Opportunity International, a nonprofit organization equipping families with the tools [00:01:00] and training that they need to build their businesses, improve harvest, provide for their families and send their children to school, and even break the cycle of poverty. Now talk about innovative financial solutions. They can help families living in extreme poverty to build sustainable livelihood. Now, if you'd like to learn more and support the work that they do, quickly visit opportunity.org. Now, this is me bringing to you the impact that they have created so far when it comes to gender financing. We already know that women face so much challenges when it comes to getting access to finance. And if you're one of those, this is the best place, you know, to, you know, learn and get access to this initiative that they've put in place for you as a woman. And of course, if you are one of those supporting women, this is the best place to go. So, I encourage you to really just check out opportunity. org to see the best [00:02:00] ways that you can benefit. So, joining me today is Tim Strong, head of agricultural financing at Opportunity. Tim has successfully led the agri finance initiatives with his team in Malawi and beyond. Hello, Tim. Thank you so much for joining the show today. How are you doing? Timothy Strong: Thank you, Sharon. I'm really excited. As I said about it being Friday, I'm looking forward to the weekend ahead. It's absolutely a pleasure to be invited to join you on the podcast today. Sharon Idahosa: It's a pleasure to have you. I mean Fridays just look almost the same to me anyway. So, yeah, I looked through, um, the recent feature with you and your team on Bloomberg and I must say that you have done incredibly well. I mean a great job so far. So, I mean, why don't you share with us Um, the objectives of the gender finance projects and the implementation in Malawi. I know it was Implemented in Malawi or is it beyond Africa already? But I mean, let's just have this as a case study. Timothy Strong: Very cool Sharon So, um, it's definitely been a [00:03:00] pleasure to be able to spread the good news I think you and I have some very similar perspectives in terms of the gospel of the small holder farmer Uh, for us at Opportunity, it's really been a journey for us as we've continued to really focus what we do on listening to our clients. Um, so a lot of what, uh, you referenced to in terms of the Bloomberg article and how we're innovating with generative artificial intelligence to support farmers, it all boils down to that same piece is how do we make sure that we implement human centered design. How do we become specialists and listening to the needs of the variety of clients that we have for opportunity has been, uh, as I said, a journey and we've been in operations now for over 53 years Organizationally We've been able to reach over 19. 4 million clients and 95 percent of those whom are women. And we've partnered with 130 different financial institutions across 33 countries within our overall lending book of roughly 2. 3 billion. Um, over 450 million of [00:04:00] that, uh, is financing directly the unlock. Um, so for us, we really see our mission and our mandate to really make sure that we're bringing together the right partners and the right relationships to access, uh, to really have a centered focused on X. It's really, you know, capital as an access piece for farmers, training and support networks. Um, really a lot of this, uh, builds up on that, but, um, for our team and our program. We've come together for agricultural finance around a belief in rural prosperity. How do we really see that farmers are the major driving engine of economic growth in all of the countries that we live in? And how do we make sure that they're served as such? So, when I, when I mention rural prosperity in shorts, our mandate as a program is helping farmers to grow more. And to earn more. Um, and really that becomes one of the most. So, we see that investing in agriculture is one of the most powerful actions we can take for more inclusive future, more opportunities and agriculture mean that fewer people go hungry, fewer children miss [00:05:00] school, and rural families are able to build. So, you know, that's a really ambitious goal for us as a program and as a whole. And yet, we’ve really developed our work and our portfolios because of one key fact. And it's really that many farmers here and across sub Saharan Africa still only do at 20 to 30 percent of them. So, for us, really making sure that we're supporting farmers again, on that same mandate of supporting farmers to grow more and to earn more is key. Um, but you know, for us, When we look at some of the numbers and the figures and listen to our, listen to our clients, we also see that on average, about 55 to 60 percent of all labor on all farms across Africa is conducted by women. So, if we're not really developing strategies, tactics, and mechanisms to make sure women are included in this economic growth. Then we've lost the plot, um, we've really missed the target as a whole. Um, so Sharon, I am really grateful for the time today to really share in terms of opportunities, [00:06:00] agriculture, finance, work, and our women's economic advancement strategy. Uh, my team has given me a liberty to name the strategies. So, we're calling it our GROW strategy, which is Guaranteeing Rural Opportunities for Women. It's really exciting for me to be able to share, uh, the Uh, what we're launching now after we've conducted a number of highly rigorous equity audits across our programming and our staffing, how do we really define support and targets for partners and outcomes for women? Really defining our activities and targets across all of our programmatic pillars, uh, and committing to, to partnerships with specialists. Uh, especially for areas that are outside of our, our own professional remits. So, you know, specifically looking at violence against women, how do we make sure we build partnerships? Um, so that's just kind of a briefer in terms of what we're looking at, but ultimately have a very robust, in my opinion, strategy for how do we move forward and really look at why this is important to us as an organization as a whole. So, Sharon, that's kind of the brief overview. [00:07:00] Um, I can of course talk for hours and hours and hours as I think, Sharon, you can acknowledge, um, around what we're striving to do, but we're really excited about next steps. Sharon Idahosa: Yeah, I know definitely women contribute greatly to the agricultural sector, but they still definitely face some sort of, um, barrier when it comes to accessing finance. And it's really amazing to know that, um, your team is doing something to get them involved. I mean, they contribute, I think, about 60 to 70 percent of the food that we eat, they are majorly, um, women involved in farming. But yet, we still see them getting, um, um, struggle when it comes to accessing finance. And most of the financial institutions, um, Um, I believe that they should, um, tailor some of their policies or tailor the products to the farmers directly. And I think I heard you saying something about, um, speaking to the farmers to know what they need for you to, you know, um, set up. a [00:08:00] policy or a product that fits them. Because sometimes I don't know about your location, but I know that, um, I've heard so many farmers complain about, um, having to, um, bring their husbands, you know, get access to finance that they need to, you know, scale business. I think is, um, sorry to say, but if you ask me, I think it's ridiculous. I mean, because sometimes. And in some locations, rather here in Nigeria, uh, many of the farmers are women, right? And, um, their husbands are not involved. And when they go to the farms, most of the husbands end up collecting the, the funds that was given to them because they had to bring their husbands, you know, head of the home to get access to that finance. But I think that if there is a particular, um, product that is targeted to women and they do not need to Um, um, fill out all of those criteria or have to bring their, their, their husbands, you know, get access to finance, they will [00:09:00] be able to have access or better control of the funds that they've been given, and they will be able to scale their businesses without, um, in form of, um, challenge. So I would like to know, maybe there's some sort of, um, innovative approaches or technologies or something that have been leveraged by your organizations, you know, support women in accessing this finance without experiencing all of this barriers or something. Timothy Strong: Yeah, sure. And I, um, would love to, to dig into this deeper. And this is a topic that's very near and dear to my heart as well. Um, especially as my wife is also a woman in agriculture, as we have a small cattle farm in the Southern part of Malawi. So, um, definitely see firsthand a lot of the limitation. Um, first off, I think there are two really important points from the last five years of our overall gender strategy within our agriculture finance and a running, uh, from 2018 until now, as we're looking to revamp our approaches, um, the first and foremost is that [00:10:00] women and gender, it's not a monolith, right? So really understanding that one woman's need is not the same as the next. So, making sure, uh, as you, as you called out from the previous comment that we're listening and understanding to the varying needs of different women in agriculture. I can guarantee you that a woman who's running a multinational dairy business Central Nigeria. Her needs and, and her educational background and her capacity is extremely different from a small holder farmer in Uganda or in Rwanda. So, making sure that you're building specifically to clients' needs, uh, regardless of gender and then applying a gender lens afterwards. Um, so you know, when we looked at that and also looked at developing. Really a business case for financing rural women, uh, where we really can talk to financial institutions and many will say outright many bankers across the continent say, yeah, we know that women are better investment than their male counterparts. They repay better in general, they have a lower default [00:11:00] rate, but very, very few of these bankers could actually say by how much. How much better is a, is a, is a female farmer as a client to a bank than a male. And it really became just anecdotal and just comments. So really making sure that we can measure that on a portfolio by portfolio basis is critical. Um, when you're able to do that and really have the data on hand, that means that a financial institution can do risk adjusted pricing. And really make sure that, you know, those clients who are women within their portfolios, who are better investments and better clients can get better access to better terms. So really making sure that we have the numbers there is important for anyone within the, either the financial industry or the agriculture, I'm really proving it and, and saying it's more than just anecdotal and an observation on those two things in particular paired with making sure that we're training on farming as a family business, inclusive business, how to husbands and wives work together for access to resources, access to decisions That [00:12:00] helped move our portfolios from what was historically only 18 to 28 percent women to now, you know, we're able to really, uh, expand our financial footprints to, uh, our agricultural finance portfolio sitting. Roughly at about 56 to 61 percent fans, right? And then, and this is in two heavily male dominated sectors of agriculture and finance. Um, for us, it's also, you know, we, we already know. Oh, that agriculture growth. And we also know that women provide the majority of agriculture labor. However, Sharon, to your points, due to a lack of agency, resources, women farmers’ productivity, and incomes are significantly lower than those of men. So when we look and scan through those constraints, constraint to productivity is the ability to invest in your ag, as we also know access to finance, to be able to make those investments is particularly limited to women due to Collateral requirements, saying a typically own fewer assets and land on many financial service providers are reluctant to lend to women as they [00:13:00] view them as more risky, despite stating that women are better investments, but I think there's also some cultural norms that we have to take into account and really reflect that these do influence women's unpaid care work. Decision making and agency safety and time use all of these influence women's ability to participate in and benefit from rural income generating activities. So, it is really for us, we would say this is a marathon and not a sprint. There's a lot of things that we have to overcome in this process together to really make sure that there is equitable access, but we really do believe that offering more and equal access over control of productive resources, agricultural income. Um, we really think that our, our clients can improve their productivity leading to an increase in economic growth and a decrease in poverty and hunger. I mean, the simplest statement I can make here is that a woman is economically empowered when she has both the ability to succeed and [00:14:00] advance and the agency to make an act on decision. So There is so much research done and analytical frameworks considering power systems and resources, enabling environment, community and market level influences, and even in the household and how gender and social norms influence that. But I think what I like the most about our new growth strategy, guaranteeing rural opportunities for women is we're moving beyond the discussion of gender. Um, we've just spent five years talking about gender and, and how to really grow that. But for us, you know, making sure that we have a stronger focus explicitly on outcomes for women instead of gender, right? So, we will do the gender work as long as it results in those same outcomes within our side a lot of it is making sure that we're looking at women's economic advancement being guaranteed throughout our program, right? So, it's incredibly important for us to focus and listen to it in order to [00:15:00] actually deliver results. We also have to look at our partners and really how they're working and also look at ourselves. It's weird to look at our staff, really acknowledging that women's economic advancement is not a vertical, um, but it's actually a horizontal that cuts ac

In this insightful episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast, host Sharon Idahosa explores the power of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in shaping strong agricultural brands. Brought to you by Let’s Talk Agriculture Media, the media arm of Let’s Talk Agriculture Limited, this episode dives into: 💫 Understanding how CSR goes beyond philanthropy to create lasting value in the agricultural sector.

💫Why storytelling and strategic communication are essential to maximizing CSR impact.

💫 How effective CSR initiatives build credibility, customer loyalty, and long-term brand equity.

💫 As a leading agribusiness communication firm, we help brands craft compelling narratives, showcase their impact, and position themselves as industry leaders through CSR. If your brand is investing in CSR but struggling to communicate its impact, Let’s Talk Agriculture Limited is your trusted partner. We specialize in sustainability communications, branding, and media strategies tailored for the agricultural sector.

Get in touch with us: partnerships@letstalkagriculture.com

This is the first episode of the Agriculture Refresh series on the ‘Let’s talk agriculture’ podcast. I will be refreshing your mind on what agriculture is and the importance of agriculture.

This is the second episode of the series Agriculture Refresh. This series is all about refreshing our minds on what agriculture is and of course its importance.

This is the final episode of the series Agriculture Refresh.

This podcast welcomes a guest ‘Bernardo Arnaud’ to share with us detailed information on the topic of Digital Agriculture.

This episode gives a broad understanding of agribusiness finance, the challenges, and how to fix it and make it easy for entrepreneurs.

This episode features Akin Alabi of corporate farmers international and gives more insight into digital agriculture from a different perspective with real-life examples.

This episode gives an insight into the law and policies governing businesses and how it applies to agriprenuers.

This episode features Dada Bacudo, a climate change expert giving us a sneak peek at the upcoming webinar on climate-smart innovations in food systems.

This episode features George Rapsomanikis, a senior economist from the Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome to share with us the issues surrounding food prices and how to tackle them globally.

This episode features Edobong Akpabio, the founder of Visionage Agrotech Farms teaching us about ‘backyard farming.

This episode features Hadiza Yaro from East-West Seed, Nigeria. She throws more light on the “role of women in agriculture and how they have been invincible for a long period of time in the agricultural space.

This episode gives a brief on the opportunities in the agricultural space.

This episode features the Founder and Managing Director of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network; Ntiokam Divine giving us insights on his role towards creating a form of inclusiveness amongst youths from all over the country. He shares his approach towards the UN Food System Summit, where he involved key stakeholders in the value chain, hosting independent dialogues in about 40 different regions.

This episode features Juliet Ejezie the CEO of Dozliet Anim Farms Nigeria, a volunteer of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN) Global, sharing her experience as an animal scientist and her contribution to the CSAYN Global.

This episode features the Regional Coordinator of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN) Global Morocco who is Dr. Samuel Opoku talking about his experience so far as the coordinator in Morocco, and of course his impact in Morocco.

This episode features Dominic Amon Anyasulu who is the Country Coordinator for the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (Global) Malawi Chapter. He shares both his challenging and exciting experience serving as the Country Coordinator for 5years and counting.

This episode features Lily, a Gender Specialist who is a country coordinator for Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network. She shares about her work, as a gender specialist, how they want to create a balance between women and men, and of course her experience as the Country Coordinator of CSAYN Global.

Today we brought in Olivier Muvandimwe from Rwanda, he happens to be a part of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network(CSAYN) Global as the Country Coordinator. He decides to share with us their growth when it comes to the agricultural sector and the opportunities they have put in place for youth in Rwanda.

I got the opportunity to bring you the Secretary of the International Treaty FAO, Kent Nnadozie on the ‘Let’s talk agriculture’ podcast show . In this episode, we got an insight into the International Treaty and its impact on smallholder farmers and plant breeders. They work with farmers, plant breeders, scientists, and policymakers around the world to take care of the seeds that feed us all. http://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/en/

Just for a change, we brought in Angela Nuhn who happens to be a vegan chef and the founder of Kindred Kitchens. Angela gave in much thought to bring about the name ‘Kindred Kitchen’, she also has her philosophy about being healthy. KindredKitchens.ca TheRestaurantEvolution.com

Being an entrepreneur is a struggle for many and it requires mental capacity and also the strength to push forward. The battle and struggle as entrepreneurs are real and this episode helps to position your mind in the right direction as it involves interactions between two entrepreneurs sharing their challenges, success stories to guide you through your entrepreneurial journey.

Being an entrepreneur is a struggle for many and it requires mental capacity and also the strength to push forward. The battle and struggle as entrepreneurs are real and this episode helps to position your mind in the right direction as it involves interactions between two entrepreneurs sharing their challenges, success stories to guide you through your entrepreneurial journey. Visit Alicia’s company page to know more about operational excellence. https://eqbsystems.com/

Our series on entrepreneurship continues and this time, it features the managing director of Select Fresh Produce, Eunice Mutua an amazing entrepreneur with 6 years of experience in her field. Eunice describes entrepreneurship in a simple form and also shares her experience as an entrepreneur and the challenges she went through. Learn more about what Eunice is all about at www.selectfreshproduce.co.ke

This podcast episode features Chidi Nwaogu, a tech entrepreneur sharing his insights on the importance of technology which is becoming a major part of lives. In this episode, you'll find out the key things to know when starting a tech business.

Blockchain in agriculture has proven to be a good way to simplify transaction processes and level the playing ground for smallholder farmers. In this episode, we have the CEO of Whrrl, Ashish Anand highlighting how best agriprenuers can leverage blockchain technology and of course how well smallholder farmers can benefit from this technology.

Blockchain in agriculture has proven to be a good way to simplify transaction processes and level the playing ground for smallholder farmers. In this episode, we have the vice president of DeHaat- Dr. Dinesh Chauhan. He talked about his experience working in the technology industry, the various opportunities available for entrepreneurs with a keen interest in blockchain agriculture, and how blockchain technology will help in food quality and better products to reach consumers.

When it comes to agro-commodity trading, the ability to understand the basics of what it entails and being able to back it up with technology is what we are discussing in this podcast episode with Akin Alabi- The Co-founder of Corporate Farmers International. In this episode, you'll learn the origin of agricultural commodity trading as the oldest financial market in the world and what it takes for this sector to remain the same.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy and the youth play an important role to ensure the agricultural sector remains. The popular commodities for traders are oil & gold but the agricultural commodity trading market is the oldest financial market in the world and now many traders are putting in a lot of work to research and leverage the market. This episode features Farmer Samson Ogbole the team lead of the soilless farm lab, he highlighted how smallholder farmers can trade their produce, the major commodities to trade, and the best way agriprenuers can tap into the agro-commodity market.

In this episode of blockchain agriculture, we emphasized another area blockchain technology is impacting. Erik Valiquette who has over 30 years of experience in logistics and supply chain explains his experience working in the supply chain industry and how stressful it was to carry out different operations involved in the logistics & supply chain industry. The blockchain industry has played a huge role in ensuring safe, secure, and easy operations in the logistics and supply chain.

Still exploring blockchain technology, I got Adam Eunson the founder of Croply to share his insights on blockchain technology. I believe it will be great to know the industry that will benefit the most from blockchain technology, but Adam has a different idea about it. Listen to what he has to say.

One of the fast-growing technology in the world is the ‘blockchain’ and it is indeed playing crucial to every industry, from agriculture, logistics & supply, digital marketing and so many more.  Now, there is a controversy about blockchain leading to an increase in unemployment. How true is that?

Our series on blockchain technology continues. The need to identify whether or not the rising technology is causing more harm than good is paramount and we will be getting different opinions from agriculture, blockchain technology experts.

This episode of blockchain and employment features Linda Goetze, an early adopter of blockchain technology.  Together with her team, the Blockchain Chamber of Commerce, bring experts from different industries who are exploring Blockchain. Now, we are privileged to have her on the "Let's talk agriculture' podcast show to share her valuable insights. This episode highlights the role of blockchain technology for individuals and businesses all around the globe. It highlights blockchain's contribution to employment. Listen and leave your comments.

The role of media cannot be overlooked. The world is moving at a fast pace, and we need to catch up. As an agribusiness owner, there is a role you need to play to ensure the agricultural sector grows, and what better way can you get involved if not by spreading information?We need to let the world know the happenings in the agricultural sector, and that is what this podcast is all about.

The bandit threats in Nigeria continue and at a very high rate which is causing the deaths, and kidnappings of many citizens of Nigeria. Considering the happenings in the Northern part of Nigeria, many food-producing states are facing the heat. Kaduna State is a major producer of Maize and is currently being invaded by bandits, and if drastic measures aren't followed, Nigeria may see food scarcity, price inflation, and Food Insecurity at large.

This podcast episode was made with love from my heart to let agribusiness owners know that they need to invest in branding, and marketing to ensure the growth of their businesses. In this podcast episode, I gave the difference between branding, brand identity, & brand marketing.

Guys! This episode takes a deep dive into technology and how it's benefitting the agricultural sector. One of the technologies breaking grounds in this sector is the satellite imagery/remote sensing which helps players in the agricultural sector to detect pests, prevent diseases and keep crops healthy. In this episode, we had the opportunity to bring in a partner & sales manager at EOS DATA ANALYTICS, Mohammed Altaqatqa to share more insight on how they are helping transform the agricultural sector in over 30 countries.

Hey, beautiful people! Welcome to our series on supply chain. In this first episode of the supply chain, we are identifying the cracks in the supply chain system and how we can move past them. We had the opportunity to bring on the show, the award-winning and most influential leader in supply chain, and podcast host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain - Sarah Barnes Humphrey who shared from her experience the challenges in the supply chain system, the future of the supply chain industry.

Still, on the supply chain podcast series, we got the opportunity to bring on the show a start-up founder to give us the PART TWO of how we can simplify supply chain processes using blockchain technology.In this episode with the co-founder of Snapper Future Tech, Naresh Jain.You'll learn the importance of technology in simplifying supply chain processes. You'll learn from his experience in the technology industry, the challenges he faced, and more.This is very important for those that are in tech, the challenges you're going through, don't change anything about you.

In this week's episode, we took a different route to discuss Robotics. As new technologies emerge, we believe that it solves major problems & benefit stakeholders in the agriculture space.To make this happen, we brought on the show an expert in Robotics and a key player in the agricultural sector. Ana-Maria shares her insights on the major pain point of farmers that robotics has come to solve.She also highlighted that robotics has not come to take away the jobs of people.Learn more about our sponsor by visiting Agro Market SquareFollow us on LinkedIn

Hadiza Yaro is not a new face on our podcast show. Today she joins on our podcast show to discuss how to deal with post-harvest losses.

This episode features Ilyasu Ishak, an agribusiness development consultant sharing his knowledge on how we can deal with post-harvest losses in the fruits and vegetable value chain.Episodes are available on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, SoundCloud, Amazon music, Boom and more.   To learn more about our sponsor for the month, visit www.agromarketsquare.com   Follow us on: LinkedIn: Instagram: @wetalkagriculture Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wetalkagriculture/

The war in Ukraine, as well as sanctions against Russia, has resulted in a massive decline in the supply of major staple foods which is contributing to the rise of food prices globally.This episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show was requested by one of our listeners who is feeling the heat the war between the Russia-Ukraine crisis is causing in Nigeria.As of 2022 agriculture was employing about 70% of the labor workforce of the Nigerian population and 2022 has contributed about 22.36% to the GDP. This alone shows that agriculture remains the foundation of the Nigerian economy and many others.To discuss this topic on a global scale, had a seat with the Chief Executive Officer of the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) to share and guide us on the way forwardTune in to listen to Sharon Idahosa, the host, and Michael Sudarkasa, our guest for today's show.Stay updated with our activities by following us on social mediaFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/wetalkagricultureLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-talkagriculture/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wetalkagriculture/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTYhvTHoX4WEaHBdoeARng

The risk to the human food chain has increased drastically, partly due to the movement of people, plants, and animals between countries and this can cause a detrimental effect on our food security and that's a major concern for all of since considering we are still working towards achieving food security on all levels.In this week's episode, we had the opportunity to seat with Arable's Chief Revenue Officer who shared his thoughts with us and the ways we can manage the threats in the food chain.Vilas Rao discussed;What the food chain is all about in the simplest way possible. He discussed the major threats in the food chain. And the roles we play in averting the threats in the food chain. He was kind enough to share some resource materials to help us learn and understand this topic greatly.Please check this out....https://www.arable.com/blog/.............................................................................................................................To learn more about what we do, explore our website herehttps://letstalkagriculture.comFollow us on LinkedinInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/wetalkagriculture/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/wetalkagriculture

The agricultural sector contributes greatly to Nigeria's GDP with major commodities like sesame seeds, cocoa beans, cashew nuts ginger, palm kernel oil, frozen shrimps, and prawns but still experiences some constraints when it comes to the exportation of agro-commodities.In this episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show, we discussed the business of exportation to give us a better understanding of the exportation business.We were privileged to have AFEX's VP of Commercials, Debajyoti Bhattacharyya on the show where he shared deep facts as regards the Nigerian agriculture sector, and better ways we can maximize our opportunities in the areas of export of agro-commodities.Take a deep dive into the resources he shared with us. Stay connected with us:LinkedInFacebookInstagramYouTube

Today on the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show, we bring another educating episode to you.In our previous episodes, we’ve discussed robotics in agriculture, and satellite imagery, and now we are looking into IoT- Smart Farming.We had the opportunity to discuss with a senior executive in Agri-Tech from Kisan Sanchar, Rishya Pankaj

In this episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show, we had a chat with  Daramola Ayokunle a youth in agriculture.He revealed to us the sales and marketing strategies that you can apply to position your agribusiness for rapid growth. If you haven't been investing in your marketing or you do not know how to draw up a strategy for your agriculture business, then you should listen to this podcast. For sponsorship, advertising & collaboration, please send an email to hello@letstalkagriculture.comWe remain your preferred agriculture public relations & communications company. Follow us on LinkedinInstagramFacebook

We started a series this month with the theme of food and nutrition which is a major concern for all. Food and nutrition are the way that we get fuel providing energy for our bodies. In this week’s episode, we discussed how we can provide good nutrition in rural communities as many low-income countries rely more on staple foods and less on fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods than high-income countries. We were privileged to have Oumar N’diaye Director of Africa, Business Development of Nutrition International to share his knowledge and of course the best ways we can have good and nutritious food. Some of the questions tackled in this episode;1.       What role agriculture plays to increase the availability and access to nutritious food in rural areas? 2.       How to utilize nutrition education to improve household nutrition. 3.       A lot of people know the kind of food to eat but still avoid eating them. What could be the cause? Listen to our host, Sharon Idahosa as she discusses with Oumar N’diaye in the food and nutrition series. To stay up-to-date, you can follow us on our social media platforms.LinkedInTwitterFacebookInstagramYouTube

Still on the food and nutrition series...In this episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show, Sharon Idahosa discusses with Ayooluwa Okunjolu of EdenLife the different ways we can deal with Unhealthy relationships with food.As much as we agree that food is life, and food is health, there are a lot of people who have an unhealthy relationship with food and this episode will serve as a guide to building a good food relationship.In this episode;You'll learn about unhealthy food relationships, and how to know if one is dealing with this.You'll learn key strategies for maintaining healthy food relationships.Don't be left out!Share this episode with your friends, network & family.You can follow us on all our social media channels.LinkedinFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube

Nutrition is like the food at work in our body. It is everything that happens to food from the time we eat it until it is used for various functions in our body.In this final episode of the food and nutrition series, our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa discusses with Ravinder Grover, the program lead at HarvestPlus.In this episode, you'll get answers to these questions asked by our podcast host.1. How can we make nutritious food more available and affordable?2. How can we create an environment where there will be affordable and nutritious food in the market?3. What role do you think the government plays in creating an enabling environment for affordable and nutritious food?You will also learn more about Ravinder Grover and his motivation for working in this sector.Follow us on our social media:FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeTwitter

This episode features Chidinma Ezinne, a food scientist and quality assurance professional. We invited Chidinma on the show to guide us gradually into Food Allergens as this is a major topic of discussion when it comes to Food Safety. We were able to understand that food allergies can occur when the immune system mistakenly treats protein food as a threat. Some of the common food identified to cause food allergies were milk, eggs, sesame, fish, etc. Listen to this episode to learn more about how we can deal with food allergens in developing countries. Learn more about our sponsor for this episode by visiting https://agromarketsquare.com Follow us on LinkedIn

This episode summarizes that you shouldn't settle for what you've heard about Africa but rather, you should explore it yourself because you may just be missing out on great opportunities.Africa is a giant. Africa can be self-sufficient and investing/doing business in Africa is a great deal to you.Now, when we move down to the Agriculture sector, the opportunities are endless.Nigeria alone has a huge land mass & the agricultural potentials are lucrative.So if you thinking of doing business in Africa, then you shouldn't miss out on the Africa Agri Expo, which is a major event organized by TAB Group to showcase the potential of Africa. This is an opportunity for you to go and see for yourself.Listen to this episode to get more juicy information about doing business in Africa with the CEO of TAB Group, Tahir Abdul BariFor sponsorship & advertising, please send a message to podcast @letstalkagriculture.comFor agriculture, public relations & communications activity, send a message tohello@letstalkagriculture.comFeel free to follow us on our social media.LinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube

In this episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show, we took a deep dive to learn more about climate finance, environment & sustainable agriculture practices.When discussing climate change, we require experts to do justice to these topics and it was exciting to have MEDA’s Technical Specialist with in-depth knowledge & experience bring insights to us.Dennis Tessier, our guest spoke more about climate finance which is put in place to solve issues around climate change & environment.We talked about Green Finance & how MEDA is promoting environmentally sustainable business practices.More on how we can adopt environmentally sustainable agriculture practices.He did great in mentioning the areas covered by MEDA and how they have succeeded in the business transformation of farmers & SMEs.To learn more about MEDA, explore meda.orgFollow us on social mediaFacebookLinkedInInstagramTwitterYouTube

It’s another insight episode brought to you by your favorite agriculture public relations firm, Let’s Talk Agriculture.One of the major concerns for many agriculture business owners and entrepreneurs has always been accessing finance. It is true when they say money makes the world go round because to make the agriculture sector thrive, a lot of finance needs to be invested.We have seen this as an important topic of discussion, hence the reason for our new episode titled, innovations for inclusive agricultural financing.Regina Nyakinyua, an expert when it comes to agriculture investments and finance joined our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa to discuss the different ways we can create inclusive agriculture financing and a lot more.She gave full insights into these questions below;✅ What can you identify as the major challenges of agriculture financing?✅ How do you think we can boost finance opportunities in developing countries?✅ What are the ways you believe we can boost investments in agriculture?✅ And how can you describe MEDA’s approach to inclusive agri-financing?Tune in and listen to the episode. To learn more about our sponsor, explore meda.orgTo learn more about what we do, please follow us on social media.LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TwitterYouTube

In this episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show, we took a deep dive to learn more about gender equality & inclusion in agriculture.This topic is relevant to every sector but as you know, we are particular about the agricultural sector. Women play very key roles in the agricultural sector but their contributions continuously go unnoticed which is a major challenge.The whole idea of discussing gender equality & inclusion is to let people know that it isn't just about women, it is striking a balance & ensure that both men an women get equal opportunities.Our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa was joined by Jennifer Denomy, an expert when it comes to discussing Gender Equality & Inclusion.In this episode, Jennifer gave insights into the following;✅ What gender equality & inclusion is all about.✅ Why gender equality & inclusion is important in the agricultural sector.✅ She also talked about the misconceptions about women in agriculture & how to deal with them.✅ The ways agriculture business owners can overcome gender challenges.Tune in! Like, comment & share.Follow us on LinkedInFacebookInstagram TwitterYouTubeLearn more about MEDA by visiting meda.org

Yippee!  It's been an amazing year with you all, and I couldn't be more grateful.This is my way of reaching out to all of our devoted listeners of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. We couldn't have gotten this far without your constant support since we started airing the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show in January 2021.We are already looking forward to what the year 2023 has in store for us. Keep believing and trusting us.If you are an agriculture business owner and need PR support for your business in 2023, don't hesitate to reach out to us.We love you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Agriculture has been in existence since the time of our forefathers. This alone means that agriculture is here to stay; for it to remain, we must all work hard as a team.It is no news that youths play a very crucial role in various industries and the agricultural sector is no different.Involving youths in the agricultural sector is an excellent way to grow the sector. As much as we want to get youths involved in agriculture, we have to make this sector attractive to them.We have to move past the cliche way of doing agriculture.  If we must attract youths to agriculture, we must make agriculture attractive.How do we make agriculture attractive to young people? Find out in this new episode.Join our host, Sharon Idahosa as she discusses with Azeez Salawu the way forward to attract youths to agriculture.Follow us on social mediaLinkedInInstagramFacebook TwitterYouTube

There is one thing we are all certain about and that's the growth of the agricultural sector. A lot of people are wondering what exactly is driving this huge growth that is seen in the agricultural sector and we need to provide answers to them.In this episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show, our podcast host Sharon Idahosa had a seat with Kenneth Obayuwana, a remarkable youth in agriculture to discuss what exactly is the future of agriculture.It is believed that there are lots of speculations around what could be the future of agriculture and that is what we will be finding out in this new week's episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show.Tune in now! Follow us on our social media platforms.Hit the subscribe button.LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube

Crop insurance is an important risk management tool that is made available to farmers and ranchers to protect them against a decline in crop yields or revenue.This week, our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa had a brief interview with BirthVenue's Founder, Lakshay Taneja to discuss crop insurance, its relationship with the supply chain, and more.If this is your first time hearing about crop insurance, then this podcast episode was made just for you.If you've heard about crop insurance but have yet to make a decision, we identified some of the factors affecting your decision-making process.Please tune in and get the most out of this episode.Follow us on social media:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitter

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture Podcast, hosted by Sharon Idahosa. This week, we tackle the critical issue of food loss and waste, exploring how millions of tons of food go uneaten annually, leading to wasted resources, environmental harm, and missed opportunities to combat global hunger.

Our guest, Chizoma, a seasoned advisor in the food health industry, guides us through the critical concepts of reducing, recovering, and recycling food waste. From understanding the differences between food loss and food waste to the significant environmental, economic, and social impacts, this episode dives deep into actionable solutions and strategies that businesses, governments, and individuals can adopt.

Sharon and Chizoma also share inspirational stories of innovative approaches and personal experiences in tackling food waste, aiming to motivate listeners to make conscious efforts toward building more sustainable food systems.

Join us in this crucial conversation and learn how you too can play a part in creating a more sustainable future.

Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture Podcast Show, where we delve into pressing topics in the agriculture sector. In this episode, host Sharon Idahosa explores the significance of strategic ESG communication for agribusinesses. Moving beyond mere regulatory compliance, the discussion highlights how effective communication of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impacts can drive investment, foster trust, and differentiate brands in a competitive market.

Join us as we uncover common pitfalls in ESG communication, such as focusing on compliance over sustainable impact and the dangers of greenwashing. Discover the importance of storytelling in conveying real-life impacts and how leveraging platforms like podcasts and video documentaries can enhance your message.

Let's Talk Agriculture Limited offers strategic communication, branding, and media solutions to help your agribusiness stand out and thrive.

Tune in to learn how to make ESG an integral part of your growth strategy, engage your audience effectively, and ultimately unlock greater business value.

Securing investment for your agribusiness isn’t just about having a great product or service—it’s about positioning yourself as an investable business. In this episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast, we break down exactly what investors look for and how you can build a strong brand, establish credibility, and prepare for funding the right way.

 

You’ll learn:

• The key factors investors consider before funding agribusinesses
•  Why branding matters and how it impacts investor decisions
•  How to build credibility through media exposure, customer success stories, and thought leadership
• The steps to becoming investor-ready—from knowing your numbers to refining your pitch
• The best ways to approach and engage with investors for long-term success

 

Whether you're actively seeking investment or just preparing for future opportunities, this episode will help you position your agribusiness for growth and funding success.

 

At Let’s Talk Agriculture LLC, we help agribusinesses develop strategic communication, branding, and thought leadership to gain visibility and attract the right investors.

Want to make your agribusiness investable? Let’s talk!

 

🎧 Tune in now!

 

 

In this episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast, we sit down with Marc Donaldson to explore the realities behind the current cocoa price surge. Is it truly a crisis, or is it a long-overdue market correction that finally ensures fair pricing for farmers?

Marc unpacks the key factors driving this price increase and whether these shifts are sustainable in the long run. With manufacturers seeking cocoa alternatives to offset costs, we examine whether these substitutes could reshape the industry or remain niche options.

The conversation also highlights a critical challenge—how can the chocolate industry strike a balance between fair pricing for farmers and affordability for consumers?

As innovation brings new possibilities like lab-grown cocoa, we explore whether these advancements will disrupt traditional cocoa markets or complement them.

At Let’s Talk Agriculture LLC, we are committed to driving meaningful conversations that bridge industry gaps and support sustainable solutions for agribusinesses. This discussion underscores the importance of clear communication and strategic positioning in navigating shifts within the global agriculture sector.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of cocoa and the evolving chocolate industry.

Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast, where Sharon Idahosa dives deep into the trends, challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping Africa's agricultural sector. In this episode, we explore the crucial role youth play in achieving Africa's food security goals. With the continent's growing population and increasing food demand, young agriculture innovators are stepping up to create solutions, drive innovations, and transform the industry.

Joining the conversation is Alfred Ukane, a passionate agricultural innovator, who shares insights on the challenges, opportunities, and solutions that young agripreneurs bring to the table. The discussion highlights the importance of enabling environments, overcoming barriers like infrastructure and access to capital, and the significance of knowledge sharing.

Listen in to discover how empowering youth can shape the future of agriculture in Africa. The episode also emphasizes the power of networking and strategic positioning for young professionals aiming to make a difference in the agricultural sector.

In this episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast, Sharon Idahosa delves into the burgeoning cocoa industry, currently making headlines due to skyrocketing prices and divided opinions. Is the industry truly in crisis, or are we witnessing a long-overdue market correction?

Join Sharon as she hosts Alan Perlstein, a pioneering food technology expert, to explore the impacts of technological innovations in food production. Discover the potential of lab-grown cocoa as a sustainable alternative, its effects on traditional farming, and how such innovations could redefine the future of chocolate.

Alan shares insights into the challenges faced by cocoa farmers, especially in Africa, and how the demand for cocoa is outpacing supply. Learn how lab-grown cocoa might impact the market, its ability to mimic traditional flavors, and the debate around differentiating between traditional and lab-grown cocoa in the market.

Tune in to understand the dynamics of the cocoa industry, the role of technology in food production, and the implications for farmers and consumers alike.

Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture Podcast Show, where today we explore the deeper purpose of podcasting beyond numbers. Join your host, Sharon Idahosa, as we delve into the debate of whether businesses should prioritize audience metrics or focus on establishing industry authority and shaping conversations.

This episode dives into how podcasting can be a powerful tool for building credibility, influence, and long-term business impact in the agriculture industry.

Learn why thought leadership is not an overnight success and how consistent, meaningful conversations can position your brand as a go-to expert.

Discover practical strategies for leveraging podcasting for thought leadership, from crafting impactful episodes to expanding reach through repurposed content and guest appearances. Shift your focus from immediate metrics to lasting influence and explore how podcasting can become a strategic tool for brand growth and industry positioning.

In today's episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show, our podcast host Sharon Idahosa decided to be a guest to connect and share with her listeners. In this episode, she discussed the ways we can improve our food system as this is a major concern globally. When it comes to achieving a sustainable food system, it is only those who understand what the food system is all about before they can contribute to building a better food system. Tune in and listen to the preacher of the agriculture gospel.

In this week's episode, the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast host decided to share with her audience. This podcast episode is all about helping women in agriculture to position their businesses, gain visibility and build thought leadership. Sharon Idahosa is passionate about helping women in agriculture, hence this podcast episode.   In this episode, you will learn the following; ✅ How to build your personal brand. ✅ How to build your business as a woman. ✅ Why you should work with a PR firm and the ways you can utilize working with one. Tune in! 🎙🎙 Share this episode! 👍

Hey beautiful people, welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show, where we connect you with the happenings and opportunities directly from experts across the globe. Now, if this is your first time learning about Let's Talk Agriculture, we are a public relations and communications firm from the Communications Counsel to the agriculture sector. Do you want to learn more? Explore our services by visiting letstalkagriculture.com. So, today's episode is quite simple. Let's talk about climate change. What are the challenges farmers are facing? What are the implications of climate change? And how can farmers really mitigate the risk involved? Now, the seasonal climate prediction for 2023 was released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. And I thought it would be amazing to share this piece of information to help our farmers prepare better as it relates to the rainfall, to dryness, to diseases and so many more. Lots of things that are, of course, affecting plant season, crops and the rest. So, join me as I welcome our guest for today's show, who will discuss in detail the implications of this report and how best farmers can or should mitigate the risk. Hello, Ilyasu! Thank you so much for joining the show today. How are you doing? Thank you, Sharon. I'm doing great. Hope you are too. Yeah, thank you so much. It's really a pleasure to always have you on the show because every time you come on the show, you always have something very, very amazing for the farmers. I mean, I see all of the stuff that you do and your dedication to the agricultural sector in Nigeria. So, it's always amazing to have you on the Let's Talk podcast show where you can share your insights. So, once again, thank you for joining the show. Okay, thank you very much. And like you said, I'm always happy to share my, you know, thoughts with farmers, you know, of making sure their productivity is enhanced. That's me once again. You're welcome. It's my pleasure. So, I believe that you also came across the report, very vital to the farmers. I mean, considering your work and everything that you do, it is not strange if you actually came across the report, of course, because I trust that you are always on the lookout for farmers and how best to help them, just like you said, to, you know, enhance their productivity and the rest. So, but before we get right into that, let's get started with the challenges associated with climate change. I mean, what are the challenges that farmers are facing? From your experience being on the field and working with farmers across different value chains, what can you tell us on the climate change challenges, climate challenges facing the farmers right here in Nigeria? I just want to hear from you, from your own experience working with farmers in Nigeria, what can you really point out some of the challenges that they have faced? And yeah, let's take it up from there. So, thank you once again. I think challenges of climate change are quite glaring and obvious, especially as they affect smallholder farmers in Nigeria, as well as food production in general. One of the obvious impact or challenges of climate change to farmers and agriculture is actually flood incidents, whereby climate change promote the occurrence of flood, which as well affect our farmers and our farmlands. We have seen last year how flood displaced hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in Nigeria, destroyed hundreds of thousands of hectares, destroyed billions worth of food and food product, and how it made farmers to actually lost all their investment. So, flooding is one of the challenges. Issue of drought also is one of the challenges. We have experienced uneven distribution of rainfall for the past five years in this country. Rainfall schedule have significantly been altered due to the drought in the Sahel region of the country. Another challenges of climate change is actually insecurity, because climate change brought about insecurity as well.

Data is the bedrock of many businesses. The data you keep can determine the growth or failure of your business. In the agricultural sector, keeping accurate data is very key especially for those in production, manufacturing and more. In this episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show, we decided to highlight the importance of data in the agricultural sector. Our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa discusses with Kelvin Odoobo, the founder of Shambapro. Shambapro is an ag-tech startup helping small business owners in Africa build and run profitable and sustainable farm businesses. Kelvin shared his journey in agriculture and what led him into building Shambapro. He highlights the measures put in place to help farmers, and SMEs see the need for a data-driven agribusiness. He also shared the benefits of using farm management tools to collect accurate data. Tune in!🎙🎙🎙🎙 Share this episode!  Explore public relations for your business here. Email us to advertise your business on the podcast. Join the podcast as a guest

Achieving food security is crucial for every one of us. Africa is blessed with abundant resources but we still struggle to feed the populace. This is the time for us to come together to change that narrative because the time is ticking. Our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa was joined by Shadrack Kubyane, the founder of eFama and Coronet Africa who is on a mission to improve Africa’s food security through technology. Transcription: Hello beautiful people. Indeed, that is one of my biggest pleasure, is always when I went to my own farm. So I think it is important to first understand what a healthy relationship with food is, for us to know what it is not. Not trying to be selfish. So, you could be your own farmer pretty soon, who knows? Trust, trust me when I tell you, there will always be challenges, there will always be risks. Seems like we have a lot in common. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. And of course, it's your favourite girl, Sharon Idahosa. Hey beautiful people, welcome to another episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. Now, if you're looking for the best place to get access to quality information, then I can assure you that you are at the right place, as we invite experts to share the happenings, opportunities and a lot more, so you can benefit in any area of agriculture you're in. Now, I believe that we understand how crucial it is for us to achieve food security in Africa. And for us to say that we are really food secure, then we must really boast and say that at all times, the populace has the physical, economic and social access to enough food. Now, not just food, but it has to have that quality we are looking for, that nutritional value that we need to have in food for us to get good health and well-being. Now, it gets very tricky, you know. We want to be food secure in Africa, and even though we have the capacity to be food secure, there is still a drawback. And we cannot help but ask the question, how can we really boost our food system? Now, that is the reason why we are here today. Is technology the way forward? Let's find out. On this note, join me as I may welcome our guest for today's show, Shadrack Kubyane. Hey, a prominent, yes, of course, a prominent figure in the agricultural sector. Hello, Shadrack. Thank you so much for joining my favourite podcast show. Yes, it is my favourite, whether anybody likes it or not. Thank you for joining the show today. Shadrack: How are you doing? That is brilliant, brilliant. That makes the two of us on our family dinner table. The podcast has been a part and parcel of our dinner conversations, and no doubt across the African region, Shadrack: it is, the podcast is beginning to be part and parcel of the food or dinner conversation. Let's talk agriculture. Great to be here. And greetings to the audiences and listeners. Your extended part of the family becomes our extended part of the family. Great to be here. Thank you, Sharon. Sharon: Thank you so much for joining. I really appreciate you coming on the show. And of course, we are a family in this space. I mean, we have to work together to transform the agricultural sector. So what better way to do it, if not to team up and be families, neighbours   you know, just to ensure that we are able to transform the agricultural sector. I like that mindset. I like it. Shadrack: Definitely, you know, there's that African proverb that it says, it takes a village to raise an African child. I think it takes many villages to feed that African child. Of course, yes, yes,   Sharon: I think so too. I mean, we all have a role to play. So let's come together and start doing something. And I can see so many people coming together. And that is the reason why we have here a very prominent figure when it comes to the agricultural sector. So, of course, I'm very pleased to have you here today to share your experience with us. I mean, that is what the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast is all about. So thank y

Post-harvest loss happens to be one of the biggest problems affecting economic growth globally. About 40% of our food goes to waste each year which is a major barrier to achieving food security. Often, we hear, and read the problems, challenges, and factors leading up to the loss we encounter each year. In this episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show, our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa got in touch with William Dare, the founder of Willow Foundation to discuss the solution for post-harvest loss. The UC Davis Researchers developed an inexpensive tool to determine if dried food is dry enough to prevent mold growth during storage. Tune in to learn more about this innovative solution. 🎙🎙🎙 Follow us on social media. LinkedIn - @Let’s Talk Agriculture Facebook - @Let’s Talk Agriculture Instagram - @Wetalkagriculture Twitter - @agricPR

The importance of agricultural education can not be overlooked at this stage if we want to see a better and working agricultural system in the next few years.   The key thing to do is to build the next generation of farmers and agribusiness professionals who will take up the mandate of transforming the agricultural sector in the next few years.   In this podcast episode, our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa decided to address this issue. This is a wake-up call for players in this space to start taking action. [00:01 - 00:19] Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show. The podcast that connects you with the happenings and opportunities in the agricultural sector. My name is Sharon Hidahosa and I am your host. [00:19 - 00:34] And today we have an exciting topic to delve into and that is the importance of agricultural education and how it can help to shape the next generation of farmers and agribusiness professionals. [00:35 - 00:53] So guys, sit tight and let's get the ball rolling. So we already know that agriculture plays a very crucial role in our society. And when we decide to educate the next generation, or better still, the young people, it is very [00:53 - 01:12] vital for our economic growth and food production, sustainable food production, let's put it that way. But first, let's try to understand what agriculture education is all about. Now first of all, let's try to at least still know what agriculture is as well for those [01:12 - 01:32] of us that do not really have a good or a simple basic knowledge of what agriculture is. Now to me, agriculture is an art and it is also a science. It is the art and science of cultivating crops and rearing of animals for our use and also [01:32 - 01:47] for industrial purposes. So in my earlier podcast, I talked about agriculture being an art and agriculture being a science. So if you'd like to learn more about that, you can definitely check our podcast from earlier on. [01:49 - 02:06] So now when you combine education with agriculture, it simply means that you are getting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach by that I mean you're learning from several areas of or in agriculture. [02:06 - 02:24] Now that encompasses knowledge, your skills and attitudes that are related to agriculture. So I hope this really helps. But then again, let's move over to something very interesting. What is the benefits of agriculture education? [02:24 - 02:39] Why should you really learn more about agriculture? So one of the beautiful things about agriculture is that it offers diverse opportunities for everyone who decides to delve into the sector. [02:40 - 02:56] Now when you learn more about agriculture, it helps you in different ways. One of them being that it helps you to develop practical skills. Now when you have such practical skills, I mean it equips you with hands on experience [02:56 - 03:16] in different areas in the agriculture sector. I mean we have farm machinery operations, we have soil management, we have animal husbandry and so much more. So you get hands on experience on these areas and much more when you decide to put your [03:16 - 03:36] effort into learning more about the agricultural sector, which can of course open more opportunities for you and whatever it is you decide to do at the end of the day. Another thing is that it also fosters innovation and technology adoption as well. [03:36 - 03:56] Yes, this will help you to embrace new techniques, advanced technologies and how to use them such as drones, robotics, precision agriculture and a lot more. I mean you can still check my previous podcast episode when we talked about the benefits [03:56 - 04:12] of drone technology for young people in agriculture. That is the best way you can also learn and seek the best ways to get involved in agriculture. There are different ways you can get involved but we can discuss that as we move forward. [04:13 - 04:30] So also when you have a

Smallholder farmers are indeed major contributors to the agricultural sector but they still cannot boast of a secure livelihood.   Our smallholder farmers comprise women who produce about 60-80% of the food we consume but are still struggling with a secure livelihood.   Our podcast host Sharon Idahosa had a seat with Hadiza Yaro, the country manager of East-West Seed Nigeria.   She is a phenomenal woman with hands-on experience in agriculture and dealing with women in rural communities.   We wanted someone who will do justice to this topic and she's one person we know can handle this topic.   She addressed this topic by shedding light on the questions below which we believe should interest you as a farmer.   ✅ Can you say that giving a grant is a great way of helping farmers increase their income?   ✅ How can we drive & support the livelihood of our farmers?   ✅ What can you highlight as the major constraints smallholder farmers face when it comes to earning? Tune in! Share this episode. To learn more about Let’s Talk Agriculture, visit us at www.letstalkagriculture.com We are your preferred agriculture public relations and communications firm. Follow us on social media.

If you’re looking to start a business and you don’t know where to start, this podcast will help you.

Whenever we search the internet, we find questions about the opportunities in the agricultural sector.   Opportunities present themselves in different ways to us but sometimes we fail to see them and our growth process in life, and business move at a slow pace, making us doubt our capabilities.   The agricultural sector is broad and it provides diverse opportunities for those who are willing and see it as a business.   Our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa sat with Femi Adekoya, an exceptional youth who is making waves in the use of drone technology for the benefit of the agricultural sector.   [00:00:00] Sharon Idahosa: Beautiful, beautiful people. Beautiful [00:00:01] Intro: indeed. That is one of my biggest pleasure is always when I went to my own farm. So I think it’s important to first understand what a healthy relationship you feel is for us to know what it’s not. Not trying. I can relate. I can relate selfish. So you could be your own farmer priest. Who knows. Trust. Trust me when I tell you there will always be challenges, there will always be risks. Seems like we have a lot in common. Welcome to the Lets Talk Agriculture, and of course it’s your favourite girl. [00:00:35] Sharon Idahosa: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Last Talk Agriculture podcast show. Where we connect you with the happiness and opportunities in the agricultural sector. If this is your first time listening to the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast, my name is Sharon Idahosa and I am your host. In today’s episode, we want to discuss drones and answer the question about the [00:01:00] opportunities for youths. [00:01:02] Sharon Idahosa: Who are very much interested in drones and even for those who would want to start up something in this sector. So if you are youth listening to this podcast, then. I want you to sit tight and listen from an exceptional youth in this industry. On this note, join me. Welcome our guest for today’s show, Femi at Adekoya, the Flying Farmer. [00:01:26] Sharon Idahosa: Yes, you heard me, the flying farmer. Now remember the last time we had someone like the mushroom queen? So these are people doing amazing things and really. Creating beautiful names for themselves. So if you really want to do something like this, get ready to do something exceptional. Hi Femmy. Thank you for joining the Shield Today. [00:01:45] Sharon Idahosa: How are you doing? [00:01:48] Femi Adekoya: Hi, Sharon. I’m very well. Thank you so much for having me on the podcast. [00:01:54] Sharon Idahosa: We are excited to have you. I mean, I see the beautiful things that you do and it’s [00:02:00] really been amazing to watch you and what you do with young people as well. So of course. We’re very much excited to have you on the podcast today. [00:02:10] Femi Adekoya: It’s mutual. It’s mutual. Thank you so much for your kind words. [00:02:15] Sharon Idahosa: Of course. I mean, it’s the truth, right? So it’s not like I’m saying anything out of the ordinary. So just to get the show started, can you share briefly about your work in the agricultural space? How did you get here? Are you one of those who never wanted to start study agriculture but eventually found themselves here? [00:02:34] Sharon Idahosa: Let’s identify ourselves quickly. [00:02:36] Femi Adekoya: All right, so my name is Femi Adekoya and the company, the flower farmer. And yeah, to answer your question fortunately I am not part of those people. I, I am a. Agriculture has ever since been my childhood passion. And I, I do tell the story to see [00:03:00] what inspired me into Devin, into the field of agriculture. [00:03:05] Femi Adekoya: It all started with passion. And the passion emanated or came from. The idea that a young eight years old, nine years old boy, you know we just thought of if I can plant a seed of maze into the soil or corn, whatever name we call it, and in the matter of weeks, I’m going to be reaping hundreds of that back, you know? [00:03:28] Femi Adekoya: I’m from a litt

Raising VC Funds has always been a challenge for many agriculture women founders and even women outside of this space.   Often, they have used their personal savings to fund and sustain their businesses.   In this week’s episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast show, our podcast host, Sharon Idahosa discusses with Pretty Kubyane, the COO of efama and Coronet Africa on the various ways to access VC Funds, the strategies and a lot more.   Tune in right away!   TRANSCRIPTION   [00:00 - 00:17] Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast show.  Now, if you're just listening to the Let's Talk Agriculture podcast and you do not know who we are, yes, I'm going to tell you. So we are a public relations and communications firm.   [00:17 - 00:34] helping you as an agriculture business owner to build brand visibility and establish leadership in your domain. So if you're looking for an industry specific public relations firm to help you with your PR and media relations,   [00:34 - 00:53] social media and a lot more, then I would definitely tell you that we are the right company to do that for you.  So please quickly explore Let's Talk Agriculture dot com. And if you like to have a conversation with anyone, just send an email to hello at Let's Talk Agriculture dot com.   [00:54 - 01:12] See you soon. So I'm picking up this podcast episode from my opportunity decks where you will be learning how to gain access to VC funds as women founders in agriculture. And of course, women from other domains can equally benefit from this episode.   [01:12 - 01:32] You see, getting access to finance has always been a major challenge for women founders in agriculture and beyond. And that is why I decided to make this episode, because I believe that this will help women to plan better and also to get access to funds for their businesses.   [01:33 - 01:48] Now, let's welcome our guest for today's show, Preeti Koubiani, the co-founder of Coronet Africa and e-Pharma.  Hello, Preeti. Thank you so much for joining the show today. Just like your name, Preeti. Thank you so much for joining today. How are you doing today?   [01:49 - 02:13] I'm good. Thank you. Thank you so much for having me on the show today, Sharon.  I must say I love what you did with your brand. I love what you did with your website. I think by just looking at your personal brand and your company brand itself, one can already know exactly that you really are kind of a woman who put your money where your mouth is.   [02:13 - 02:35] Like, it's so brilliant. I can already see the outcomes of those that work with you on the PR aspect.  Thank you so much for the kind words. I mean, we have to, you know, put out the best. We don't want anybody to see agriculture as unattractive. So we have to, you know, position ourselves in that light as well to make sure people find it very attractive.   [02:35 - 02:54] I know that agriculture doesn't really have to be the farm. I mean, you can always do something outside of being on the farm or doing the no production and the rest.  So I'm sure that our own way of pushing it out as well. So thank you so much. Absolutely. I totally agree with that.   [02:55 - 03:16] Sure. Thank you. So I know I didn't get to give the good description of who you are. So I would definitely love for you to just share a little bit about you and what you've been doing so far in the agriculture space, how you got to this point, really, because I've been seeing how amazing you are and what you've been doing so far.   [03:16 - 03:32] So I would like you to share with us just a little bit. Thank you so much. Thank you so much, Sharon. I was born on the east side of the country in the Eastern Cape into a farming community in a family business.   [03:33 - 04:02] So my father ran a car fixing workshop. So from a very young age of six, it was like house chores. When you come back from school, it's either you're washing dishes or you are going