Agropreneurship Development in the Post COVID-19 Era; Challenges and Panacea: Views of Selected Small-Scale Poultry Farmers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria

 

Agropreneurship Development in the Post COVID-19 Era; Challenges and Panacea: Views of Selected Small-Scale Poultry Farmers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria

Part 1: Introduction to Agropreneurship Development in the Post COVID-19 Era

Agropreneurship, a term derived from agriculture and entrepreneurship, refers to the combination of innovative approaches to traditional agricultural practices. It involves the application of business principles in agriculture to create value, generate income, and contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The concept of agropreneurship has gained prominence in recent years as a means of promoting economic growth, food security, and poverty reduction in many developing countries, including Nigeria.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the global economy, including disruptions in agricultural production and supply chains. In response to these challenges, small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria, have been exploring new opportunities in agropreneurship to sustain their livelihoods and adapt to the changing market conditions. This essay aims to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by these farmers in the post COVID-19 era and highlight the views of selected individuals on the role of agropreneurship in addressing these issues.

Part 2: Key Figures and Influential Individuals in Agropreneurship Development

In the context of agropreneurship development in Nigeria, several key figures have played instrumental roles in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. One such figure is Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria and the President of the African Development Bank. Dr. Adesina has been a vocal advocate for agribusiness development in Africa, emphasizing the need for policies and investments that support small-scale farmers and agribusinesses.

Another influential individual is Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, the Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Dr. Sanginga has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture and agribusiness development in Nigeria and other African countries. Through research, capacity building, and partnerships with farmers and entrepreneurs, IITA has been instrumental in empowering small-scale farmers to adopt innovative practices and technologies that enhance productivity and profitability.

Part 3: Perspectives on Agropreneurship Development and Future Developments

The views of selected small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria, on agropreneurship development in the post COVID-19 era are diverse. Some farmers view agropreneurship as a viable strategy to diversify their income sources, improve market access, and enhance their resilience to external shocks such as the pandemic. By adopting agribusiness models, such as contract farming, value chain integration, and agro-processing, these farmers are able to create value-added products, increase their competitiveness, and access new markets.

However, other farmers face significant challenges in adopting agropreneurship practices, such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, high input costs, and market uncertainties. These challenges hinder the growth of small-scale poultry farming enterprises and limit their ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the post COVID-19 era. To address these challenges, there is a need for targeted interventions, such as access to credit, technical assistance, market linkages, and policy support, to create an enabling environment for agropreneurship development.

In conclusion, agropreneurship development in the post COVID-19 era presents both challenges and opportunities for small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, Nigeria. By leveraging the expertise and support of key figures and influential individuals in the field of agriculture and entrepreneurship, these farmers can unlock their potential, overcome constraints, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector. Through collaboration, innovation, and resilience, agropreneurship offers a pathway for small-scale farmers to build a more prosperous and resilient future in the face of global uncertainties.