The Importance Of Agricultural Education: Developing The Next Generation Of Farmers And Agribusiness Professionals The Let’s Talk Agriculture podcast

31:23

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast, we shine a spotlight on a game-changing initiative transforming Nigeria’s horticulture landscape — the HortiNigeria Program. We’re joined by FeyiKemi Fadurogbangba, a key leader in the program, who shares deep insights into how HortiNigeria is empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, through targeted support, capacity building, and inclusive value chain development. From impactful training programs to success stories that prove agriculture can be a tool for prosperity, this conversation uncovers how HortiNigeria is strengthening market systems and setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. This episode is proudly sponsored by the HortiNigeria Program. We thank them for their support and commitment to driving real change in Nigeria’s agriculture sector. About HortiNigeria: HortiNigeria is a four-year program implemented by a consortium of partners and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria. The program is designed to strengthen the resilience and inclusivity of Nigeria’s horticulture sector, with a special focus on empowering smallholder farmers, women, and youth. Through strategic interventions, HortiNigeria works to: Improve access to quality inputs and services Enhance technical knowledge through training and extension Strengthen farmer groups and cooperatives Improve access to markets and finance By building strong horticulture value chains and fostering collaboration across stakeholders, the program is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable food system in Nigeria. Learn more: www.ifdc.org/projects/hortinigeria…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

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How Niche Podcasts Can Save You Money & Build Real Influence 10:22

19 днів тому10:22

10:22

Marketing doesn’t have to drain your pockets, especially if you’re in a niche like agriculture. In this episode, I’m talking about how brands (yes, even the small ones) can market smarter using podcasts. Whether you host one or sponsor one, niche podcasting lets you share your story in the right space—without chasing every platform or burning your budget. I’m breaking it all down in my usual way—real talk, real examples, and maybe a little laughter along the way. So if you’re tired of scattered marketing and want something that actually works? This one’s for you. For collaboration, email us at corporatecommunications@letstalkagriculture.com…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

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Is the Cocoa Crisis a Fair Market Correction: Part B 36:28

5 weeks тому36:28

36:28

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.…

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Is Your Agribusiness Investable? How to Attract Investors with Branding & Credibility 20:10

8 weeks тому20:10

20:10

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!…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

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Reducing Food Waste: How Every Bite Counts Towards Sustainability 32:39

9 weeks тому32:39

32:39

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.…

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Cocoa Crisis or Market Correction? Exploring the Industry's Future 30:48

10 weeks тому30:48

30:48

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.…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

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Beyond the Metrics: Building Podcast Influence in Agribusiness 12:34

11 weeks тому12:34

12:34

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.…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

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Unlocking Business Value: Beyond ESG Compliance in Agriculture 19:20

12 weeks тому19:20

19:20

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.…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

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Youth as Catalysts: Driving Africa's Agricultural Revolution 28:51

13 weeks тому28:51

28:51

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.…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

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What African Agribusinesses Can Learn from Global Food Brands with Sharon Idahosa 12:16

14 weeks тому12:16

12:16

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!…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

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How to Leverage CSR to Build Strong Agricultural Brands 8:41

15 weeks тому8:41

8:41

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…

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How the Zero Hunger Coalition is Mobilizing AgriFood System Actors to End Hunger & Malnutrition with Francine Picard 26:27

30 weeks тому26:27

26:27

[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.…

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Navigating the Risks in Poultry Farming with Godbold Chukwuebuka 23:30

33 weeks тому23:30

23:30

[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…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

1
Impact of Digital Finance in Agriculture with Grace Njoroge 31:38

37 weeks тому31:38

31:38

[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.…

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Impact of Gender Financing in the Agricultural sector with Timothy Strong 29:47

39 weeks тому29:47

29:47

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…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

1
How Podcasting Can Help Your Agriculture Communication 6:27

40 weeks тому6:27

6:27

[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.…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

2 years тому0:41

0:41

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

1
Emerging Opportunities in Agriculture: Agroforestry with Renato Canuto 23:44

2 years тому23:44

23:44

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…

The Let’s Talk Agriculture Podcast

2 years тому30:00