Teva Foods Raises Alarm Over Ageing Nigerian Farmers, Urges Youth Participation in Agriculture

By Our Correspondent

Teva Foods, an agritech organization committed to transforming agriculture in Nigeria, has raised concerns over the ageing demographic of farmers across the country, warning that it poses a serious threat to national food security.

The Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Teva Foods, Mr. Chima Christian, sounded the alarm during a press briefing on Wednesday, noting that the backbone of Nigeria’s food infrastructure is dominated by middle-aged and elderly rural farmers.

“Did you know that a significant proportion of Nigeria’s food infrastructure is borne by rural and peasant farmers?” Christian asked.

“Worse still, our farmers are mostly middle-aged and elderly people. No serious country, especially one with a growing population, leaves a huge chunk of its food infrastructure in the hands of that demography.”

According to him, the situation is unsustainable and demands urgent intervention if Nigeria hopes to meet the food needs of its expanding population.

In response to the challenge, Christian said Teva Foods is doubling down on efforts to inspire and train a new generation of young agro-entrepreneurs, whom he described as the future drivers of sustainable food systems across Africa.

“That’s why Teva Foods is doubling down on inspiring a new wave of young agric-preneurs who will drive sustainable food systems in Africa,” he said. “We want to see young Africans come into agriculture and entirely own the space.”

He added that the organization has launched several training, internship, and outreach programmes aimed at equipping young people with the skills and motivation to pursue careers in agriculture.

“I just got reports of the ongoing Greenhouse Farming Internship Programme at Teva Foods Jos-1, and it is fulfilling,” he said.

We have seen with the mind’s eyes what will happen to Africa if young people take full-spectrum ownership of agriculture. We’ve done it with sports, entertainment, and tech. It’s now time to replicate that success in agriculture.”

Christian concluded on a hopeful note, stating, “Africa’s morning is at hand.”

Teva Foods’ campaign adds to the growing calls for youth inclusion in agriculture as experts warn of an impending crisis if the sector is not rejuvenated with younger participants and more modern practices.