harambe nigeria december 2009 newsletter

HISARDHarambe Nigeria’s

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pg.10

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Farming in Rural Nigerian Communities

Harambe 2.0

Leaders for Nigeria’sTomorrow

december 18, 2009official publication

Letter from the Editor / 4In the Light of Nigerian Youth’s Dim Prospects...Hope / 5The Role of Agriculture in Youth Development / 6The Vision of the HISARD / 8Farming for a Better Tomorrow / 10Growing Deep Roots for Stronger Branches: Building a Solid Network in HARN / 14Harambe 2.0 Compendium / 16

Letter from the Creative Director / 17Keynote Address: Agriculture as a Weapon of Mass Construction / 22

Letter from the President / 28

Contents

Harambe Nigeria | December 2009

4

When I was asked to step in as Editor-in-Chief of Harambe Nigeria’s first newsletter, my first thought was one of surprise. As daughters and sons of Nigeria, we all want contribute to the future of, and be of service to, our home-land. However, it can be hard to visualize ourselves part of the solution for Africa’s most populous nation, whose hope has been deferred so many times.

But looking at my fellow countrymen suffer, I could no longer sit back and not take action. There is little opportunity in Nigeria for growth. Compare that to those of us living outside of Nigeria. We have the capital. We have been given the opportunity. Now is the time to show forth what our country has invested in us.

Harambe Nigeria is a program designed to stimulate growth in the agricul-tural sector as well as open up opportunities for the youth to lead and become entrepreneurs in this area. Whereas many grass-roots organizations seek to provide aid for either rural communities or favorable conditions for universi-ties, Harambe Nigeria aims to incorporate both under its vision. Our desire is to strengthen the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to a more diversified economy. This involves improving agricultural production in rural communi-ties and stimulating a parallel rise in youth organization and entrepreneurial development.

We can no longer look at our locations nor our diverse backgrounds as rea-sons to not help our country. We are the future. Harambe Nigeria has the po-tential and backup to answer many of the issues facing our youth and general populace. It does not matter whether you are a university student, our fellows, or one of our supporters. As our reader, you are invited to become part of it.

Yours Truly,

Grace Akinrinade Editor-in-ChiefHarambe Nigeria

Letter from the Editor

Grace AkinrinadeChief EditorHarambe Nigeria

“Catalyzing a Nigerian Change”

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Amidst the chaos of the past the triumphs of the future arrives. Nigeria, a country of im-

mense diversity has come far enough to lay claim to being the most populous nation in all of Africa. A staggering 64 percent of its population is com-prised of people ages 25 years and younger. This nation has more than enough manpower, embodied by its impassioned youth, to accomplish anything it put its mind to.

As talented as they are, Nigeria’s empowered youth struggle to join the workforce to contribute to a viable solution. They turn to universities to further their employment opportunities to no avail. Amidst economic instability and social disunity, white collar jobs in Nigeria have not been a promis-ing avenue for success.

Aware of the possible frustrations facing semi-professionals, many youth turn to embark in en-trepreneurial efforts, seeking to create opportunity where none previously existed. Not to be left be-hind in the wake of the globalization of the web, Gbenga Sesan pushed for Africa’s inclusion in the Information Technology community. One might have thought Sesan had a premonition of his coun-try’s future greatness as he declared in 2001, “I see a new Nigeria emerging, one that will be built on the

labours of our heroes past, hewn out of the debris of the present waste and engineered by the strength of the future leaders: the youth.”

The ambition for success is clearly present, but misguided. National narratives tend to follow sto-rylines that, while predictive, seems to indicate the likelihood of a nation’s future global prominence. In societies where the rise of agriculture’s contri-bution to the GDP precludes the rise of urbaniza-tion, employment opportunities within the service industry, and raw materials for the textile industry. The shift from the agricultural focus to a more in-dustrial focus also has social effects: birth rates and death rates decrease.

But Nigeria did not have the fortune of, at least in the beginning, shaping its own destiny. Until now. Its present condition is the result of its past lead-ers making its decisions; its future will depend on the youth of Nigeria and the Nigerian diaspora. And Harambe Nigeria plans on being a part of the group leading the way. Writer Olumide Idowu leads in with a discussion on how the reformations needed in the agriculture sector affords room for growth, for both young people and the economy. In “The Vision of HISARD,” the purpose of the Harambe Incubator For Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (HISARD) is unveiled, and in “Farming for a Better Tomorrow,” the fellows discuss their suggestions for improvements in the rural communities of Mokore and Wakajaiye, in Osun State. Finally, in “Growing Deep Roots for Stronger Branches: Building a Solid Network in Harambe Nigeria Agricultural Resource Network,” featuring a program which aims to facilitate net-works in all levels of agriculture. With all of these developments and more on the way, Harambe is surely hitting the ground running.

In Light of Nigerian Youth’s Dim Prospects, A Light at the End of the Tunnel

“I see a new Nigeria emerging, one that will be built on the la-bours of our heroes past, hewn out of the debris of the present

waste and engineered by the strength of the future leaders:

the youth.”- Sesan, Gbenga

by Grace Akinrinade


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The Role of Agriculture

by Olumide Idowu

1. Establishing a special task force on youth devel-opment in and about agriculture to draft a plan to implement this new college priority.

2. Requesting new campus resources and reallo-cate existing resources within Colleges of Agri-culture and Universities to initiate this program-matic thrust of the colleges.

3. Involving all academic units of the colleges and universities in assuming appropriate roles and responsibility for youth development in and about agriculture as a coordinated, high-priority initiative in each state.

4. Developing a five-year plan for institutionaliz-ing youth development as a major college and university priority through such potential mech-anisms as: interdisciplinary centers or institutes for youth development, a new thrust in one or two academic programs of the college and the universities to institutionalize a teaching and re-search component on youth development, and linking existing outreach mechanisms of the Universities and College of Agriculture with existing state youth organizations and programs in agriculture.

It is clear that agriculture requires reformations. Ag-

riculture has played a key role in the development of human civilization. Though the need for agricultural improvements is ob-vious, it is not necessarily clear to Nigerian youth why they should get involved in the first place. One of our primary goals will involve rebranding agriculture to

a generation that may not be ac-customed to viewing agriculture as an avenue for development.

Programs need to address these complex problems by fo-cusing resources on youth devel-opment needs. Such an initiative involves communicating a more positive image of agriculture to young people and reaching and creating a larger pool of youth.

Populations that can be target can include, but are not limited to, high school agricultural pro-grams, related agricultural lit-eracy programs for youth, guid-ance counselors, science teachers, parents, policy-makers and other peoples in position to affect the youth.

in Youth Development

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF AGRICULTURE TO ADDRESS will include:


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It has become clear that Uni-versities, Colleges of Agriculture and the agricultural industry face serious problems if the current decrease in enrollment has not stabilized and reversed soon. Universities, Colleges of Agri-culture and all of their teaching, research, and Extension units and administrative offices need to raise youth development to a college-wide concern and future commitment.

The historic commitment of Colleges of Agriculture and Uni-versities to structure their teach-ing and research around major farm commodities now needs to be redirected to focus on the de-velopment of youth as the major human resource required for a viable agricultural industry in the coming years.

Data and logic suggest that if Colleges of Agriculture and Uni-versities are to reverse downward enrollment in agricultural curri-cula to better serve the employ-ment needs of the agricultural industry, the pool of youth in high school agriculture and agri-cultural literacy programs needs to be cultivated and expanded. This will require direct involve-ment, help, and commitment of resources by Universities, Col-leges of Agriculture, administra-tors, and staff. Viewing youth as a major resource to be developed in meeting the future employ-

ment demands of the industry, and maintaining strong programs of teaching and research in the Universities, Colleges of Agri-culture, clearly suggests the need for youth development to soon emerge as an expanded, major role in our Universities and Col-leges of Agriculture.

A strong commitment to youth development as a prior-ity by Universities and Colleges of Agriculture would be a sig-nificant step toward redirecting needed attention and commit-ment of resources required to meet significant goals of the col-leges and Nigeria Agricultural In-dustry. Universities and Colleges of Agriculture have a growing vested interest in the expansion and quality of high school agri-culture, and emerging agricultural literacy programs.

To reach youth, clientele groups must include parents, school personnel, and policy-makers. To expand the pool of youth seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees in Univer-sities and Colleges of Agricul-ture, it makes sense to give top priority to reaching youth who have already received positive pre-college experiences in youth programs addressing agricultural and environmental topics. The degree to which Universities and Colleges of Agriculture respond to this priority has major impli-

cations not only for the future well -being of the colleges, but for Nigeria Agricultural Indus-try as it moves into the next cen-tury. How youth development is viewed and addressed will have a fundamental effect on youth as well as the educational programs designed for them.


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Nigeria’s GDP continues to rise steadily. However, a closer look at its composition

would shed light on some of the issues in need of improvement. About thirty-seven percent of this GDP comes from its oil exports—a great source of national strife, as witnessed in newspaper headlines time after time. The service industry comprises an-other twenty-seven percent.

With numbers such as these, it is disappointing that a staggering eighty percent of University stu-dents can not find employment after graduation. Nigeria’s government has failed to make use of its own knowledge resources, leaving its youth in a lurch.

The Terra Kulture, on Victoria Island, in Lagos is a haven for Nigeria’s cultural, linguistic, and ar-tistic past and continuance. Against this backdrop, in September 2008, people gathered for what was to be history in the making. At Harambe Nigeria’s first Conference of Youth and Development, ex-citement was building. As if drawn to the sudden commotion, the conference gained enough prom-inence to be featured on the BBC, the Vanguard Newspaper, Thisday, The Sun, and Guardian. It was supported by organizations such as Shell Petro-leum Development Company, First Bank Nigeria, and the National Poverty Eradication Program, as well as youth from various regions of Nigeria. Mr. Jacob Ajekigbe of MD First Bank and Mr. Mutiu

Sunmonu of MD Shell gave the keynote address and the good will address, respectively. The event served as a platform for raising awareness of the impact that youth could have on the agricultural sector.

The conference was only the beginning. It set the stage for what is now known as the Harambe Incu-bator for Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Devel-opment. Incubators, or organizations that facilitate the growth of specific types of small businesses, are already in existence in Nigeria. They tend to take the form of either Industrial Business Incuba-tors or Technology Business Incubators. Launched in March 2008, the Harambe Incubator for Sus-tainable Agricultural and Rural Development, or HISARD, is designed to support and develop agri-cultural businesses and institution that stand to of-fer the most potential in terms of adding to Nige-ria’s agricultural contribution to the country’s GDP.

Beginning in the Ile-Ife region of the country,

The Vision of

Harambe Incubator for Sustainable Agricultural and Rural DevelopmentHISARD

“We wish to rectify the tar-nished image of agriculture

in Nigeria, making it a viable investment for Nigerian youth

from all walks of life.”figure .1


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HISARD is expanding to other institutions in the country. Ten to fifteen university students at Obafe-mi Awolowo University (OAU) will be selected for scholarships for this endeavor. These students will be subsequently exposed to monthly workshops, in-ternships, and local community research, in which they will engage with local farmers and work with secondary school students (some of their research can be found in the next article, “Farming for a Bet-ter Tomorrow”).

The structure of HISARD operates in a way that engenders student opportunities for growth and learning so that they can, with time, achieve and eventually accomplish the directives of the HISARD. See the program phases as outlined in figure 2.

Harambe Nigeria’s First Conference of Youth and Development set the platform for Phase 1. The presence of youth at that conference served to stimulate ideas for development. To that end, in Phase 1, their leadership and skills were harnessed through workshops, internships, and mentoring. Towards the end of this phase, students will con-nect with local youth to form the Local Agricultural Resource Committee (LARC). The local youths will act as on the ground resources for their endeavors.

In phase 2 students will utilize the knowledge they have obtained in phase 1 for implementation. Research based on “needs assessment” (figure 3) of local issues and needs takes place in this phase. Resources such as Agricultural professors and

LARC are equally important here.A program cannot succeed without a legacy to

continue the past generation’s efforts. Phase 3 ex-tends HISARD to later generations, local secondary schools. HISARD will promote awareness in sec-ondary schools through information sessions and workshops, as well as offer opportunities for leader-ship development.

Phase 4 is one of the most important of all the phases. HISARD necessitates national awareness

for its many programs to succeed. To that end, HISARD students are expected to use various me-diums to educate and empower Nigerian youths about agricultural opportunities. Students will host a monthly program on the local radio show, write monthly or biweekly columns for local newspapers, and host, with the help of other organizations, at least one nationally televised event.

Phase 5 involves a scaling up of the initiative to a university. If the program in OAU is successful, it can serve as a model for future programs in the Niger Delta.

In a nutshell, HISARD aims to sustain agricul-tural development in the local rural community, increase awareness of,and interest in, Nigeria’s agri-cultural sector, and empower and encourage youth as leaders and partakers in Nigeria’s agricultural de-velopment. As Obinna Ukwani, Creative Director of Harambe Nigeria, stated, “We wish to rectify the tarnished image of agriculture in Nigeria, making it a viable investment for Nigerian youth from all walks of life.”

figure .3 HISARD fellow performing “needs assessment”

HISARD phases:1. Incubation2.SkillApplication3.KnowledgeTransfer4.SustainabilityviaPublicity5.ScalingUp

figure .2 HISARD phases


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by HISARD Fellows

Mokore, Osun

Few resources, poor crop turnout, and only the desire to move forward as motivation to continue. Farming is not easy in Mokore, a rural community located in Orile-Owu in the Ayedaade local gov-ernment area of Osun-State. It is a largely agrarian community as it has even been noted by the state government who has allotted some of its parts to setters. Therefore, there is a combination of two groups of farmers dwelling together: The Mokore “natives” and the settlers who were given plots of land about 10 hectares each for farming purposes.

Mokore community is in a very remote area, about 10 miles from the central Orile-owu commu-nity. It has a very strong terrain which is a poorly motor-able one with little supply of portable wa-ter in the area and no primary health care center. This community is populated by mostly farmers who are also traders of what they produce in or-der to make a living. The major crops grown in the community area: cocoa, oil palm, banana, plantain, cassava, maize, cocoyam, vegetables and soon.

It was very alarming to discover that at this age and time, farmers still go through drudgery to make a living. In order for the fellows to know specifically what issues needed to be addressed, basic informa-tion and data needed to be collected. This brought about this survey analysis in order to know how much effect to what extent the damage has gone.

One the 12th of August, a questionnaire was ad-ministered, the sample of which was taken from the Mokore community. The number of respondents

was 52. Livestock rearing is not a common thing in this community, only 20% rear on a very small scale with 6% of them given concentrates to their animals and 9% of them having knowledge of vac-cines. About 61% of the farmers in the commu-nity posses at least one hectare. For the natives of the community, land is owned by inheritance but for the government settlers, their land is by a lease of 10 hectares. There are little restrictions to crops grown as they are determined partly by land tenure arrangement and market demand structure.

Their seeds are gotten from 2 major sources: 77% from last farm’s harvest and about 20% from the open market. This implies that the farmers have little access to improved seeds or seedlings.

Crops that could have been kept are often ren-

Farming for aA Closer Look at Farming Practices in Two Rural CommunitiesBetter Tomorrow:Note: The following is based off of research findings gathered and analyzed by the HISARD fellows. Look for an in-depth an article detailing the implications of these findings and sugges-tions based on the fellows research in the next issue.

Source of SeedsMokore, Osun

Not Reported

Open Market

Last farm’s harvest

77%

19%

4%


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Wakajaiye, Osun

dered useless because of the lack of or misuse of pesticides. Pest infestation on the farm lands is about 78% but is mostly combated through pesti-cides. Pesticides help but are difficult to obtain or even use, because of high market prices and to the way these chemicals are bought, sub-standard train-ing or sometime no training at all is given to farmers on uses and precautions.

About 73% of crops produced are sold immedi-ately after harvest with about 52% of them sold at the farm gate. This implies a big problem as there is no provision by farmers for storage except local methods and so if not sold immediately could per-ish on the farm.

Yield of produce over the years has been good and even when low is as a result of low soil fertility or bad climate. Crops are also sold off immediately

due to urgent finance need of the farmers who in cure debt during production.

Starting capital during each season is raised main-ly through 77% of personal savings or 5% loan from friends, there is an existing cooperative society but only 48% of farmers are members.

Access to machineries is only privileged to 5% individuals or 4% of group among the farmers from local government. There is also an existing farmers’ enlightenment programme called “farmer field school” (FFS) but has been averagely success-ful with the setters in the community.

Farmers from analysis have been discovered not to accept agriculture for their children. About 71% of them would completely discourage their chil-dren due to the present drudgery they have to go through to make a living.

Wakajaiye community of Ayedaade local gov-ernment area Osun State is one of the two com-munities benefiting from Harambe Incubator for Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development, HISARD, initiatives of Harambe Nigeria. It is an agrarian community not far from Ile- Ife. The prox-imity to our campus (Obafemi Awolowo Univer-sity, Ile- Ife) makes the community an ideal research centre.

The HISARD initiative in this area has been programmed to be implemented in phases. In or-der to assuage the problems facing the community, the implementation of “Needs-Assessment” was made. We started with individual interactions with the inhabitants of the community to find out prob-lem facing agriculture in the area. In order to come across more generalized view of the problem, we organized meetings with some focus groups in the community. This includes meetings with elder state men and youth group in the community.

In our quest to provide figures to back up our research findings, carefully designed questionnaires were administered. The analysis has helped us to view the problems in the right perspective.

As part of the “needs assessment,” sixty-two (62)

copies of carefully designed questionnaires were randomly administered in the target community, Wakajaiye. Analysis shows that 62.90% of respon-dents are males. From this figure, one can infer that men constitute a majority of the work force in the agricultural sector. The mean family size is 6-9 per-sons per household (27.42%). For much of the re-spondents, agriculture is their livelihood (97.43%).

About 77.42% are into crops productions only, while another 8.06% are into poultry production. Crops grown in the community include cocoa, ba-

Personal Consumption

For Sale at Market

39%61%

Purpose of CultivationWakaijaiye, Osun


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nana, maize, cassava, oil palm, citrus, and vegeta-bles and so on.

For poultry production, The size of produc-tion is usually less than fifty (50) birds. In addition to this, the birds are often local breeds hence the low productivity and profitability. The analysis also showed that free-range system of animal husband-ry is the most common in the community. The feed is often unbalanced and inadequate. It is no sur-prise, then that animal disease outbreak is prevalent in the area. This can be explained by poor nutrition and exposure to harsh weather conditions. The ani-mal mortality rate is higher during the rainy season because the weather condition is usually cold espe-cially at night.

When their animals are sick, people often seek attention of the veterinary officers in their animal treatment. Some treat their chickens using some lo-cal methods like the use of “red and yellow cap-sules”. Regular vaccination is done by farmers of the respondents. But amazingly, the majority of the respondents raise their animals for their personal consumption. Other animals raised in the commu-nity are sheep, goats and cattle. These ruminants are fed with kitchen wastes and forages. The sheep and the goats are usually on free-range while teeter-ing may be done especially after kidding/calving.

The average size of a farm is 2-3 acres (12.90%). The average farmer’s yield is low because of the small area of land under cultivation. 61.29% of the respondents cultivated the crops mentioned earlier because of their market value while 38.70% culti-vated the crops for their personal consumptions. About 12.90% of the respondents cultivated spe-cific crops due to tenure arrangements (short dura-tion leasehold system) and soil fertility or suitability (from observations).46.77% of the respondents obtained their seeds from open market in Gbongan and Ile-Ife.

About 61.29% of the respondents use pesticides to protect their yield, though little formal training on agrochemical use and safety received. Another 75.81% of the respondents showed interest to pa-tronize any new agro dealer shop to be located in the community provided the chemicals are original and affordable. The planting seeds and stem cut-

tings should also be improved (agric) and readily available at premium prices. 38.70% of respondents identified agro-processing as one of the sectors fac-ing challenges. “Garri” and Oil palm processing are mainly embarked upon by the female inhabitants of the community.

Water availability especially during dry season proves a major hindrance to optimum production capacity. Water is usually sourced from streams for the processing. Our research shows that 66.13% of the respondents use hired labor and 25.81% use family labor. 70.96% of the respondents use their personal savings for starting capital; this suggests that respondents do not have access to agric loans which often required collateral that farmers are not usually able to provide. 43.55% of the respondents showed interest to encourage their children to un-dertake agriculture as a means of livelihood provid-ed the situation changes for better. About 46.77% of the respondents expressed their dislike for the profession despite their engagement because of the drudgery involved.

Family Labor

Hired help

28%

72%

Source of LaborFarms in Wakaijaiye, Osun


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Growing Deep Roots for Stronger Branches:Building a Solid Network in Harambe Agricultural Resource Network


15

Food is not the only thing growing from the ground up. The Harambe Agricultural Re-

source Network (HARN) seeks to compliment the work of the Harambe Incubator for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (HISARD) by functioning as a market information network that provides financial, consulting, legal and other timely information to farmers and budding and established agro-entrepreneurs. HARN works to improve Ni-gerian agricultural sector and ensure the viability of youth and other budding agribusiness by providing targeted market information on the diversity of the agricultural sector, setting up an agri-business, new innovative agricultural techniques, information on agricultural financing, processing, packaging, stor-age and transportation. In addition, the HARN will provide information on land and business laws and policies as related to agriculture while also connect-ing Nigerian farmers with lucrative markets and in-terested buyers.

The HARN seeks to pursue the following objec-tives: Information gathering, Information dissemi-nation, and building partnerships. By researching and gathering information on company profiles, ag-ricultural buyers, seed companies, as well as compil-ing legal requirements on business and agriculture, looking at government and NGO programs, it will serve as a hub for Harambe Nigeria’s program en-deavors. HARN is also responsible for assembling and updating country market information as it re-lates to Nigeria: market information will focus on areas of demand in agriculture, best practices in other countries, opportunities in the market, trends in market prices new supply chains, new seeds, new and cheap irrigation technologies. Retrieving infor-mation on similar information networks for other fields or in other countries to see what is out there and know their best practices will also provide use-ful feedback.

HARN plans to use an easily accessible online network and database for the dissemination of in-formation. With few libraries, the internet is one of the most prominent resources for information retrieval in Nigeria. HARN is working on analyzing,

synthesizing and disseminating market information through cell phones, journals, the website, NYSC, Harambe Clubs, local NGOs and other Harambe Nigeria Media projects.

Some of its other goals include inviting inter-ested buyers, big wholesalers, and other market intermediaries to join our network as an easy way for buyers to compare prices. One section on the network dedicated to announcing opportunities in agricultural related sectors for youths It will provide information on fellowships, scholarships, competi-tions, exchange programs, and trainings.

Building partnerships NGOs and other orga-nizations also falls under HARN objectives. With agricultural and development NGOs from USAID, World Bank program to other more rural NGOs Partnerships with universities with stellar agricul-ture, finance, and technology fields, Harambe Ni-geria can accomplish goals such as starting local government agricultural programs, and offering pro-bono consulting firms. With HARN as a firm base as a supportive network, reaching out to orga-nizations, institutions, and markets in the agricul-tural sector will be made that much easier.


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Dear Readers,

On August 28, 2009, Harambe Nigeria, hosted Harambe 2.0, the 2nd Annual Harambe Nigeria Symposium on Youth and Development. The symposium was a brilliant success, marking a pivotal point in Harambe Nigeria’s growth to a revolutionary and influential institution for change. This success was to the Harambe Nigeria team a wonderfully pleasant surprise. Little had we known that we, a small motivated group of university students based overseas, could inspire, let alone, design and host what transpired on August 28.

Harambe 2.0 was a coagulation of some of the best minds on agriculture and development in Nigeria today. A host of both agriculture and non-agriculture related top-tier institutions and firms maintained booths and entertained inquiry from all who were interested. Attendees such as agriculture revolutionary Father. Godfrey Nzamujo, exemplary LEAP Africa founder Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, former PDP National Chairman and Efugo Farms founder Mr. Audu Obgeh, celebrated Nigerian intellectual Dr. Pat Utomi, and several others contributed their knowledge, showing their passion for strengthening Nigeria’s rising leaders and earth shakers - the youth.

Hundreds of youth were in attendance, demonstrating deep rooted concern for the future of Nigeria. The youth engaged in intense conversation and debate on Nigerian agricultural challenges, learned from speakers, interacted with panelists, more than proving to all that they are up to task of leading their nation into a glorious tomorrow. They brought the energy to this magnificent event and they left even more energetic. Feedback from the youth was high on excitement. One sentiment was clear, Nigeria wants Harambe 3.0. The youth want to know that their concerns and ideas are heard. They want to interact directly with their leaders. They want high profile intellectual gatherings where they know they will take constructive steps towards bettering their nation. This drive is innate to us youth. While our energy is remains we intend to employ it to its ultimate capacity.

The Harambe Nigerian enterprise is to ensure that these goals and desires are addressed, especially relating to agriculture. Whether facilitating conferences or developing programs such as the HISARD, Harambe Nigeria will always seek to give the voice of Nigeria’s youth consequence.

Harambe Nigeria cordially thanks and congratulates all supporters, affiliates, and contributors for co-embarking on this never ending journey for change. Harambe can never have too many supporters and still requires much more support to continue to act powerfully.

With that spirit I have painstakingly designed this newsletter to possibly exhibit the strides Harambe Nigeria is making, engaging in the economic and societal evolution of our nation. The following expose was designed to capture the magnanimous occasion that unfolded on August 28, 2009.

With Gratitude,Obinna UkwuaniCreative DirectorHarambe Nigeria

Harambe 2.0 recap


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Harambe 2.0

Given our metaphoric theme, we thought it only fitting to show our at-tendees the nature of the garden where they can truly ‘plant the seeds of to-morrow.”. The Garden of Opportuni-ties was a highlight of this years con-ference and its major objective was to

show youth tangible examples of the diverse range of opportunities available within the sector. Represented in this “Garden” were farms, agro-businesses, agriculturally inclined developmental and entrepreneurial organizations and companies focus on agro-research, agro-policy and agricultural finance.

The display surrounded the hall for the entire day thus placing this di-

versity at the forefront of attendees mind. Youth were given the opportu-nity to walk through the garden during the registration period and during the lunch where they were able to engage with representatives from these organi-zations and get a first hand view of the nature of working in the agricultural sector and how various skills can be used to enhance the sector.

Garden of Opportunities


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Harambe 2.0

Starting from the right side of the Garden, you were instantly drawn in by the rows of stalls dedicated to idea builders, an NGO that is dedicated to lifting rural women out of poverty through small business development. Many of the women they work with have become agricultural entrepre-neurs in their rural communities and were kind enough to join us on the day.

The innovation and efficiency of the sector came through, when upon clos-er examination you could see that these women were using hand made stoves made out of clay and stones to produce popular snacks such as chin chin and cakes on site which wee sold to confer-ence attendants. This was a vivid repre-sentation of how developmental orga-nizations can harness the opportunities

in the agricultural sector to positively impact the lives of those living in rural communities by giving them a sustain-able livelihood to support themselves.

If you walk further into the garden you find yourself at the ‘pond’ where fish farm Fabosedey limited was setup. In addition to company literature, Fa-bosedey brought examples of the live fish which they farm. With the fish


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Harambe 2.0

right in front of you and a successful self made fish farmer discussing the benefits of his job, you could not help but pay attention and give agriculture a second thought. Peering to your right, you were instantly captured by the im-ages projected on the wall by Notore and the Rivers State Sustainable Devel-opment Agency. A youth in attendance expressed her delight at being able to actually see the information about the

agricultural sector, Notore’s display of crucial facts concerning Nigeria’s agri-cultural development were well com-plimented by RSSDA’s images showing farming projects taking place in Rivers state and surrounding areas. For those that said the Nigerian youth could not by interested in the agricultural sector, the herds of youth surrounding these stalls and using all their attention to fo-cus on the information being passed on

to them was simply mind blowing.The budding agricultural entrepre-

neurs in the crowd were even more ex-cited when the moved to the left side of the garden that showed a host of successful entrepreneurs including three Goldman Sachs scholars from the Goldman Sachs “10,000 Women Initiative”. With vibrant names like Snappy Snails and Honeysuckles PLC you could see the youthful spirit behind


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Harambe 2.0

these successful initiatives. Youth saw firsthand, some of the products pro-duced on these farms, Miss Kemi Awe of snappy snails created an impressive pyramid made from boxes of frozen snails which she eventually distributed amongst conference attendants. Next to her, Miss Umoru of successful farm Honeysuckles PLC had an impressive display of produce freshly packaged from her farms.

By conference end many of the tables were bare, all the company literature had been enthusiastically received by youth who were studying them as they exited the hall. The thirst for informa-tion was so vivid in that space. Many had never thought they could see so many examples of success in the agri-cultural sector. More importantly, they did not expect to see people they could relate to. Many of the representatives

and founders of these organizations and companies were also young or had started their initiatives at a young age. The Garden of Opportunities played a significant role in changing the way young people view the agricultural sec-tor. Images of poverty and drudgery were nowhere to be found in the dis-play, instead they saw diversity, vibran-cy and most importantly, success.


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No one else could have expressed the power and value contained within the agricultural sector than our keynote speaker Father Godfrey Nzamujo, director of the Songhai Center.

Dynamic speaker and successful agricultural entre-preneur do not fully describe the work of the visionary director of the Songhai center, father Godfrey Nza-mujo. Father Nzamujo established the famous Song-hai center from a few acres of land. Today there are three sites in Benin republic and those few acres have been transformed into a spectacular farmland where all products from rainwater to cow droppings are recycled and plugged back into the system and used to enhance processes such as the local production of bio-gas, foods and soaps just to name a few.

Songhai farms represents the perfect ecosystem with everything working with and for one another where literally nothing goes to waste. The center represents agriculture at its finest as it shows how a combination of science, engineering and biotechnology can be used together on a basic yet level to create a fruitful agri-cultural institution that draws the attention from world leaders including the most recent visit by Ellen Sirleaf Johnson the president of Liberia and the first female president of Africa.

Feeling particularly charged by the youthful energy in the hall, Fr. Nzamujo gave an exuberant and passionate keynote address expressing a sincere passion for young people to invest their time and skills in the agricultural sector. Through an interesting power point presenta-tion, Father was able to present some of the key issues facing Nigeria’s underdevelopment, a graph showing

that we are not only far off from achieving our goal of eliminating poverty but in fact poverty has contin-ued to grow in a linear upward trend. Father Nzamujo was able to highlight the importance of this generation stepping up to secure the food and economical safety of our nation by showing how many of the machines and produce at Songhai was created by local youth in the communities. An excerpt from his speech paints a clear picture of the value within the agricultural sec-tor which provides incentive for young people to take a close and more critical look at the sector:

“...the type of agriculture that would constitute this engine of rural growth and poverty reduction is not just farming. In fact, it is far from the present conception of the African farmer – peasant farmer – a poor subsistent farmer – labor-ing, uneducated person using outmoded implements to scratch up a living.

No, this type of agriculture is inventive, inspiring and de-manding the best creative human resources in the community.

Yes, this agriculture is about food production in an efficient and profitable way. But it is also about technology, techniques and innovations. It is about storage, processing, packaging, etc. It is about marketing, financing, training, mentoring and many other things.”

No one else could have delivered a more appropriate keynote address to highlight the diversity of skills rel-evant within the agricultural sector. The peaked interest that was evident amongst the youth was a perfect way to start the day off and set the tone for an informative and dynamic program. - Omotola Sunmonu

as a Weapon of Mass Construction

Agriculture

- Keynote Address

Harambe 2.0

Father. Godfrey Nzamujo O.P. Director-Songhai Center

Earned his B.A. in Modern Philosophy and Mathematics, his M.A in Theology and his Ph.D in Economic Philosophy. His present research includes sustainable agriculture in the tropics and the corresponding institutional framework, renew-able energy (biogas) and rural energy development.


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PanelistsHarambe 2.0

Mrs. Ndidi NwuneliCEO, LEAP Africa

Lagos State University Alum. Recipient of numerous scholar-ships, i.e. the American Women’s Club Undergraduate Scholar-ship, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Entrepreneurs Scholar-ship and The Future Awards’ Business Owner of the Year.

Final year student, Obafemi Awolowo University, with interest in developing of Nigeria’s Agricultural sector. Previously, he organized a seminar at OAU on Israel’s agricultural sector.

Executive Director, Idea Builders Initiative, an NGO dedicated to empowering women and youth via leadership training, advocacy and exposure to agro-business in Nigeria. Active in several micro enterprise development initiatives.

Holds several degrees, including Agricultural Economics from UNN, and a PhD in Agricultural Economics from University of Ibadan. Published 60+ academic publications locally and internationally in the field of Agricultural and Development Economics.

His organization, the Centre for Development Action (CDA) International, Etim injects youth components into national and international development. Etim is a Social Physicist and Presi-dent of the International Young Ministers Network (IYOMEN).

B.A. in French from University of Dakar, Senegal; Master’s in French Literature from the University of Toulouse in France. Former Head of Department, Languages - Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology. Former National Chairman, PDP.

Head of Corporate Communica-tions, Notore Chemical Indus-tries Limited, oversees internal communications, branding, advertising, and public relations. A marketing communications strategist. Specializes in program design and project managing.

Holds a Harvard MBA. Managing partner for African Alliance for Capital Expansion (AACE), a management consulting firm focused on private sector development and agribusiness in West Africa.

An earth-shaker in her own right, Tosyn is a well know Nigerian activist. A lawyer, CEO of her NGO s.h.a.r.e , a movement for sickle cell awareness. Radio personality for Top FM.

Tosyn Bucknor, Moderator

Mr. Audu OgbehFounder, Efugo Farms

Mrs. Caroline OkaforHead of Communications, Notore

Mr. Aigiomawu OmonSenior Fellow, HISARD

Mrs. Mosunmola UmoruCEO Honeysuckles PTL Ventures

Prof. Adebayo AromolaranHOD University of Agriculture (Abeokuta)

Mrs. Lucy Kanu Founder, IdeaBuilders

Mr. Emmanuel EtimDirector,Community Development Association


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Fundraising Banquet

Harambe 2.0

Following the conference, the hall was swiftly transformed to host our first banquet dinner. Our objective was to show the older generation the strides that the younger gen-eration is making in the agricultural sector and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from the older gener-

ation tot he young generation. The dinner was also a fundraiser set to raise funds for the HISARD and fu-ture Harambe Nigeria projects. The audience at the dinner consisted of youth from the conference, a hand-ful of upwardly mobile young peo-ple, celebrities and corporate execu-tives. Included in this guest list were professor Patrick Utomi, Chief Audu Ogbeh (MD Efugofarms),

Mr Mutiu Sunmonu (MD Shell Ni-geria), representatives of the Future Awards and guest performer M.I.

The pioneer set of fellows in Harambe Nigeria’s agro-entrepre-neurship program; The Harambe in-cubator for sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development [HISARD], shared their experiences thus far with the audience. The president of the HISARD, accompanied by


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Harambe 2.0

two other HISARD fellows gave a detailed presentation of the work they have been doing over the past six months within the two com-munities they currently work with; Wakajaiye and Orile Owu. The fel-lows discussed how important and informative this phase has been in shaping their experience and pre-paring them for the next phase of developing and implementing sus-

tainable agricultural solutions tot he problems facing the local com-munities. The pictures and slides gave the audience a better sense of the activities that our students have engaged in since the launch of the HISARD at Obafemi Awolowo University in March 2009. Guests were pleased and a little surprised to see the clear passion in these young people as they described their work

and future plans related to creating a sustainable agricultural structure in these local communities.

The HISARD fellows were not the only people to grace the stage at the fundraiser. Harambe Nigeria President, Tola Sunmonu delivered the keynote address where she gave the “Harambe Nigeria story” dis-cussed how they continue to prove people wrong about the inability


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Harambe 2.0

of youth to take any meaningful in-terest in the agricultural sector. She discussed the need for young people to direct their skills towards the ag-ricultural sector and expand their thinking beyond just farming. Pro-fessor Patrick Utomi also shared a few words where he called for more “sex appeal” to be plugged back into the Nigerian agricultural sector. His speech met much applause as

he praised the efforts of the youth in the room who were taking such a critical step towards their own per-sonal development as well as that of the nations.

Impressed by what they saw, many individuals and companies made the bold move to pledge various finan-cial and in kind gifts involving trips to agricultural facilities for our fel-lows, free media coverage, free legal

advice as well as adoption under corporate social responsibility pro-grams. These individuals were able to see the vision of Harambe and understand that their support will help us in changing the way the Ni-gerian agricultural sector is not only perceived but operated which will have significant positive impact on the sector, and most importantly the economy as we know it.


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Harambe 2.0

Harambe Nigeria’s2nd Annual Symposium on Youth and Development

Muson Hall, Shell Center Lagos, NigeriaAugust 28, 2009

“I never knew that crude oil could run out, I used to think it would be for-ever but the conference has enlightened me.” - HN09 student attendant

Symposium Attendance:Target 300Actual 520

Sponsors:

NAPEPNational Poverty Eradication Program


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Final Wordby Tola Sunmonu

Anytime I talk about Harambe Nigeria, I often get the same reaction. First, their

brows crinkle slightly in an almost puzzled man-ner, their head cocks slightly to the right side and their pursed lips ask “Why agriculture?” The first time I heard this question, my facial expression mir-rored theirs except that being 18 at the time it was hard to create wrinkles with my brow but I too was puzzled; the answer seemed blazingly obvious to Harambe Nigeria. For us, the question was “How can a nation move forward without a strong agri-cultural sector?”

In December 2007, Harambe Nigeria was formed under the umbrella organization of Haram-be Endeavor, which is an alliance of African stu-dents in diaspora and Africa working together to develop entrepreneurial solutions to pressing is-sues. It started with four: myself, Mary Shodiya, Uche (what is his last name and what is his posi-tion?) and Michael (what is his last name and what is his position?); we all had different backgrounds and interests but we all agreed on the two major challenges facing Nigeria; a stagnant under-diver-sified economy and idle youth. We set out to solve both issues and immediately got to work. We start-ed to take a closer look at the agricultural sector and its unique and necessary role in development and more importantly its potential to advance the Nigerian economy.

Slowly, all the questions I had about Nigeria started to get answers. I have always wondered how a country like ours could be so rich yet so poor at the same time? How can we boast of having so much yet provide so little? How can we boast to be the heart of Africa while souls are weary with dis-appointment and dashed hopes from institutions that fail time and time again?

My major weakness is candy; I have an insa-tiable sweet tooth and the more I look at Nigeria critically, past the vibrant culture, country pride, fabulous food and rich diversity, Nigeria starts to look more and more like a lollipop. The lollipops that catch you by surprise because they are sweet on the outside and as you get closer and closer to the core you start to taste hints of a bitter taste until eventually you get to the round core that is so bit-ter it removes the sweetness you experienced earlier and leaves you grasping and groping for the clos-est ‘sweet thing’ to wash out the taste. Some things work, but only temporarily. When you go to bed at night, you think you have successfully washed out the bitter taste but as you lay your head on your pil-low it suddenly hits you again; that sharp bitter taste that refuses to go away. it reminds you that even though you have managed to conceal it, you have not erased it and it will continue to sneak up on you no matter how hard you try to deny or conceal it.

Nigeria is this lollipop, on the outside other af-rican countries look up to us because they see oil rigs, bank buildings, a few paved roads, exquisite fashion and beautiful people. As you get past that first layer and closer to the core it starts to taste bitter. You see university graduates wasting away, young hungry children fighting to wash your car for a few naira and relics of once vibrant sectors.

We at Harambe Nigeria believe the agricultural sector is an integral part of sweetening this core because it provides employment for an urban and rural population as well as spurring growth in other sectors. Now, lets be clear about one thing, even if you take just one thing away let it be this; the Nige-rian agricultural sector exists, it is there, it is real, it is not dead as many say. She is simply in a coma as a result of many knocks, blows and neglect. How-

Omotola SunmonuPresidentHarambe Nigeria


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ever, the coma is not permanent. Before the coma she was young, vibrant and successful, It is our job to wake her up and restore her. She has been in this coma for almost 50 years and many experts have given up hope loudly proclaiming “Rest in Peace” as they stand over her comatose state. Many have tried to wake her but none like Harambe Nigeria.

For agriculture to rise, we must focus on her whole body not just farming, agribusiness or policy. Instead we must focus on all of these things col-lectively. in the same way that the heart is arguably the center of the human body, farming is the foun-dation of agriculture and that must be developed and turned into a booming business that provides both private and social value. But what good is a heart without a brain or without lungs? The body cannot survive on just a heart. Eventually it will get a weak and insignificant pulse if it develops in isola-tion. In a s similar vein, we understand that we must develop young peoples skills in farming, agribusi-ness, policy, academia and research as they relate to the agricultural sector. To reach this goal, we need a surge of energy, innovation and passion that can only be found in the Nigerian youth.

By this point in the meeting, the persons brow crinkles again now they look even more puzzled. They tell me that “Nigerian youth just want to work in banks, oil companies and the entertainment in-dustry.” Again, my expression mirrors theirs and I say “of course they do, wouldn’t you want to if you were us?” These industries have successfully pro-vided young people with the incentives to work for them. It is basic human nature to respond to in-centives that align to your interest so kudos to the Nigerian industries who have mastered the art of providing the right incentives to attract flocks of people to their door. Just because we do not see the incentives to go into the agricultural sector does not mean that they do not exist. Harambe Nigeria pro-vides and exposes the incentives for young people to engage within the sector.

Through the Harambe Nigeria Incubator for Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development [HISARD], Nigerian students are able to witness first hand the rewards of working within the agri-cultural sector. They experiences the novel oppor-

tunities for them to use their innovation, to assist lo-cal communities develop sustainable techniques to enhance their agricultural economy and thus their well being. By working so intensely in the sector, our fellows understand the range of opportunities and skills within agriculture and gain valuable expe-rience that will be built upon once their incubation period has been completed. Through the annual conferences and the upcoming Harambe Nigeria agribusiness network system, we provide the neces-sary information that many are lacking. Many jaws drop when youth learn how much money they can make in the sector, how many lives they can change and the severity of the food issues in Nigeria. When they see examples of 1 hectare of land turn into 17 by those that didn’t have much to begin with, they receive a new sense of hope.

By this point, the meeting is close to being over, more times than not I have convinced the person sitting across from me that agriculture is a necessary and valuable commitment. The last thing they al-ways want to know is what “Harambe” means. This beautiful Swahili word captures our methodology completely, it means coming together to achieve a common goal. We at Harambe Nigeria recognize that we cannot do this by ourselves. We are only once corner of the base of the agricultural pyramid. To build this pyramid we form partnerships with other ago related organizations in the private sector, nongovernmental and academic organizations. This collaboration means that the wealth and diversity of experiences and skills in the agricultural sector are working towards one goal of building a new breed of young Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders who are capable of effecting change in the various sectors that exist within agriculture.

Now the meeting is over, we shake hands, they smile, I smile, its a lot of information to swallow and i know they are convinced but still they wonder “Can they really do this?” Now it is my turn to look puzzled, we are already doing it, why doubt us? Its been two years and many thought we wouldn’t last 2 months, what makes you think we will stop now? We can do this, we will do this, we have no choice; this is exactly what I was made for.

harambe nigeria december 2009 newsletter

Documents

sons of nigeria

contentsharambe nigeria

youth development

youth organization

impassioned youth

chief of harambe nigerias

populous nation

nigerian change5amidst