In this powerful and insightful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sat down with Michael Akinsete, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Ecotutu, a pioneering Nigerian cleantech company transforming cold chain infrastructure.

Widely known as “The Food Systems Guy,” Michael brings deep expertise and passion as he discussed practical ways to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges -the massive post-harvest losses that occur due to weak cold-chain logistics.

We dived deep into the staggering ₦3.5 to ₦5 trillion annual food waste crisis. The conversation examined how the lack of reliable cold chain infrastructure, erratic power supply, poor rural roads, high cost of conventional cold storage, and inefficient transportation systems cause large quantities of perishable produce -tomatoes, leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and root crops -to spoil before they reach the market. These losses lead to reduced incomes for smallholder farmers and aggregators, distress sales, higher food prices for consumers, increased malnutrition, and serious environmental consequences including wasted natural resources and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Michael explained how Ecotutu is changing the game with innovative solar-powered, off-grid cold storage solutions specifically designed for Nigeria’s challenging environment. He highlighted the company’s flexible “pay-as-you-chill” model, also known as Cooling as a Service, which makes cooling affordable and accessible. Instead of requiring heavy upfront capital, farmers and aggregators can pay only for the cooling space they actually use, making it much more practical for small and medium players in the value chain.

The episode features inspiring real-life success stories from farmers and traders who have significantly reduced their losses, increased their income, and improved the quality of their produce thanks to Ecotutu’s solutions.

Michael also discussed the versatility of the technology -the same solar-powered systems are being used to safely store vaccines, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies in off-grid and rural communities where electricity is unreliable.

Throughout the conversation, Michael spoke candidly about the real challenges of scaling clean technology in Nigeria, including financing difficulties, initial resistance from some farmers, supply chain issues, and the importance of community engagement to ensure long-term sustainability. He reflected on the lessons he has learned while building Ecotutu and the significance of being awarded the 2025 Nigerian Agripreneur of the Year by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Lagos.

He also shared his thoughts on what is needed to scale resilient cold chains across the country -stronger government policies, innovative financing mechanisms such as grants and blended finance, and closer collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and farmer groups.

Michael closed with practical, actionable advice for smallholder farmers and aggregators on simple steps they can take to reduce losses, as well as valuable guidance for aspiring agritech entrepreneurs on how to develop sustainable, locally relevant solutions in Nigeria’s complex market.

Whether you are a farmer, aggregator, policymaker, investor, researcher, or anyone interested in food security, sustainable agriculture, cleantech, and climate solutions, this episode offers rich insights and genuine inspiration.

Guest: Michael Akinsete, Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer, Ecotutu | 2025 Nigerian Agripreneur of the Year

Subscribe to The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast for more deep dives into agricultural innovation and food system transformation in Nigeria and beyond.

#PostHarvestLoss #ColdChainNigeria #FoodSecurity #AgritechNigeria #SolarCooling #PostHarvestLosses #Ecotutu #NigeriaAgriculture #FoodWaste #ClimateSmartFarming #AgribusinessNigeria #SustainableAgriculture #SocialEntrepreneurship #HealthcareLogistics  #LasgidiFarmerPodcast

In this landmark inaugural episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we are privileged to host Professor Stella Olusola Odebode, Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development and current Head of Department at the University of Ibadan.

With more than four decades of experience in teaching, research, and policy, Professor Odebode is a foremost authority on gender analysis in agriculture, women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, and the integration of digital technologies in extension services.

Her work has influenced generations of extension workers and shaped gender-responsive policies at the University of Ibadan and beyond.

In this rich and insightful conversation, Professor Odebode reflects on her journey in the field and shares expert perspectives on some of the most pressing issues in Nigerian agriculture today.

We explore:

• What digital extension truly means in the Nigerian context and how mobile technologies, data analytics, and digital tools are transforming the delivery of agricultural advisory services.
• The persistent challenges of connectivity, digital literacy, and access faced by smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth in rural communities.
• The critical and often under-recognized role of women in Nigerian agriculture, including the major gender gaps that still exist in land access, credit, technology, and extension support.
• Practical success stories from her extensive research on women cooperatives, sweet potato processing for income generation, home gardening, and other livelihood improvement initiatives.
• How traditional extension methods can effectively combine with modern digital approaches to create more inclusive systems.
• Her vision for the future of agricultural extension in Nigeria by 2035, and what universities and policymakers must do to prepare the next generation of extension professionals.
• Valuable advice for students and young graduates aspiring to build careers in digital extension or gender-focused agricultural development.

This episode goes beyond theory to offer real-world insights and actionable recommendations for making agricultural technology work for everyone, especially rural women who form the backbone of food production in Nigeria.

Whether you are an extension worker, researcher, student, policymaker, or a farmer seeking better support systems, this conversation provides deep understanding and inspiration for building a stronger, more inclusive Nigerian agricultural sector.

Guest:
Professor Stella Olusola Odebode
Professor of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development
Head of Department, Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
University of Ibadan

This marks the official launch of our recurring podcast series, which will feature leading academics, researchers, and practitioners from the University of Ibadan and beyond.

Follow The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast for more thought-provoking discussions on agricultural extension, innovation, gender, and rural development in Nigeria.

#DigitalExtension #WomeninAgriculture #WomenFarmers #GenderInequality #RuralFarmers #SmallholderFarmers #WomenParticipation #DigitalAgriculture #FarmingPodcast #AgriculturePodcast #Top10FarmingPodcast #Top10AgriculturePodcast #Top100FarmingPodcast #NigerianPodcast #AfricanPodcast #AfricanAgriculture #AgriculturalTechnology #Agritech #AgriculturalExtension #RuralDevelopment #UniversityofIbadan #ProfessorStellaOdebode #StellaOdebode #TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #AgInisghts #AgriculturalAdvisory #WomenEmpowerment #DigitalInfrastructure #FinancialInclusion #NigeriaForemostAgriculturePodcast #AfricaForemostAgriculturePodcast #NigerianAgriculturalStudents #NigerianStudents #ExtensionAgents #CommunicationforDevelopment #WomenParticipationinFarming

In this timely and insightful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sit down with Professor Olugbenga O. AdeOluwa, Professor of Soil Fertility and Organic Agriculture at the University of Ibadan and Coordinator of the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN).

Titled “GMOs in Nigeria: Promise or Poison?”, this conversation explores one of the most important debates in Nigerian agriculture today.

Professor AdeOluwa breaks down the science behind genetically modified organisms - including transgenic, cisgenic, and gene-edited crops -and examines both the promised benefits and the key concerns surrounding their adoption in Nigeria.

The discussion covers potential health and environmental risks, issues of seed sovereignty, corporate influence, and the challenges of regulation and traceability in the Nigerian context.

He also shares practical alternatives, highlighting conventional breeding, marker-assisted selection, agroecology, and organic farming as sustainable pathways that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term food security.

Drawing from over two decades of research and advocacy, Professor AdeOluwa addresses common misconceptions about organic agriculture and offers clear recommendations for policymakers, farmers, and consumers who want safer, more resilient food systems.

Whether you support GMOs, have concerns, or are still forming your opinion, this episode provides balanced, evidence-based perspectives to help you think critically about the future of agriculture in Nigeria.

Key Topics Covered:

• The scientific differences between types of GMOs
• Health, environmental, and socioeconomic considerations
• Seed sovereignty and corporate control
• Regulatory and infrastructural challenges in Nigeria
• Why agroecology and organic farming matter
• Practical actions for individuals and policymakers

Listen now and join the conversation.

What are your thoughts on GMOs in Nigeria? Leave your opionion in the comments. We'd love to hear from you.

The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast: Educating. Enlightening. Empowering Nigerian Agriculture.

#GMOs #FoodSecurity #OrganicFarming #Agroecology #SustainableAgriculture #NigeriaAgriculture

Summary

This conversation delves into the appraisal and analysis of the Nigerian agriculture budget for 2025-2026, focusing on its implications for farmers, food security, and the overall economy. The discussion features insights from agricultural professionals on the effectiveness of past budgets, the importance of accountability, and the need for strategic investments in the agricultural sector. Key themes include the role of smallholder farmers, cottage industries significance, value addition, post harvest losses, mechanization, purchasing power of the budget, the necessity for fiscal responsibility, disbursement matching allocation, and local and state governments focus.

Moderators:

• Toheeb Azeez, Founder & CEO of Heebgrow Foods and The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast

• Alfred Ukane, Founder Chuvaak Agro Services & CEO Melora Farms

• Afeez Olumide Garuba, Founder Voice of The Farmers

Guest Speakers

• Oluwaseun Adeyemi (Seun): Wealth management professional at CI Financial in Canada.

• Jerry Tobi Olanrewaju: Jet Farms & Agro Solutions Ltd, Founder of Farm2C Africa, & D’More Food and Spices (nutrition-focused value addition).

Background

This is a sequel, 2nd Edition, to the first of its kind and edition held last year 2025 appraising the Nigerian agriculture budget.

This event sought to promote 2026 agriculture budget productivity, effectiveness, performance, and impact by appraising the previous year's budget and performance, learning from what failed, what worked and adapting lessons for current one.

One failure highlighted was disbursement not matching allocation and important projects starved of critical funds but while ambiguous items seized funds and never executed.

The discussion also analyzed the present budget which nearly doubled from last year reaching 1.45 trillion and with greater percentage share of the national budget.

We deliberated on whether this budget increase had much to offer and also the real purchasing power of the budget looking at different macroeconomic indices -inflation, exchange rates and production cost, etc. -from last year, and deduced that despite a higher exchange rates the purchasing power was still better with stable rates but considered the implication of importation of important inputs for farming not manufactured locally.

The budget failing to attain recommendation percentage was underscored but the increase was lauded, however, productive use of funds was emphasized.

We also looked at the incredible budgets items for instance the Renewed Hope, agric ministry HQ construction and thought the funds could be redirected to cottage industries, value addition and addressing wastages, mechanization and extension.

The need for long planning, policy transition, and accountability focusing on local government and state chapter of federal agriculture ministry were stressed.

Takeaways

• The 2025/26 Nigerian agriculture budget aims to enhance food security and support farmers.
• Accountability in budget allocation is crucial for effective implementation.
• Cottage industries can significantly improve farmers' profitability.
• Cold chain development is essential to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Investment in agriculture must focus on practical outcomes for smallholder farmers.
• The government should prioritize fiscal responsibility in budget management.
• Agricultural policies need to be consistent and long-term to be effective.
• Local governments play a vital role in agricultural development and must be held accountable.
• The budget should reflect the needs of farmers and not be politicized.
• Collaboration between government and private sectors is necessary for agricultural growth.

Sound bites

"We need to focus on industrialization."

"The budget is good, but we can do more."

"We need a 25-year agricultural plan."

This was an urgent conversation to address the ongoing cocoa crisis where prices have plummeted and cocoa farmers, especially in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, have been most affected and unable to sell their stocks, which have had significant impacts on their livelihoods and lives.

We attempted at the causal factors of the crisis but also perused the differences in impact experienced by the Ghanaian cocoa farmers and Cote d’Ivoire cocoa farmers as lamentation in the public were mostly by the former.

In 2022, Cocoa price at the international market was $2,000. The price began seeing sharp rise with severe disease outbreaks –swollen shoot virus and black pod disease –that affected cocoa production and harvest. This was worsened by poor weather conditions (El-nino).

Cocoa requires moderate temperature for proper growth, and fermentation of seeds. Aging and low productive trees and production method added to these issues to constrain cocoa supply. This created scarcity for price rally –the largest cocoa global supply deficit in 60yrs.

With apprehension and speculations price reached $10,000 in early 2024 and exceeded $12,000 by April 2024, a record high of over 117% not seen in the last 50yrs. However, price hassince dropped 60% in past year to about $3,700 today. This while low is still above the $2,000 price at the onset of the rally.

Farmers that have stock when the prices were high and still have stocks today when price is $3,700 above 2022's $2,000 are still unable to get buyers for their commodities.

Africa produces 90% of the world’s cocoa, and Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana are the largest producers representing 70%of global productions. Thus, it can be seen how a dampened market would affect them.

Cote d’Ivoire produces the most cocoa with over 2 million tonnes and with Ghana coming 2nd with 860,000 tonnes.However, Ghanaian farmers complained most with the cocoa crisis. The host Toheeb Azeez asked Co-host Gbenga why this.

Gbenga explained it had to do with the different modes of financing where for Cote d’Ivoire the government buys the cocoa from the farmers but that of Ghana is paid for by international lenders and aggregators through collateralized purchase of future exports and fresh harvest. The international lenders provide syndicate loans mediated by the Ghana Cocoa Commodity Board (COCOBOD) and where the government stands in as surety.

The international lenders provide about $2 billion credit for Ghana cocoa farmers yearly. It enables and sustains production and creates a ready, stable market for the farmers.However, as the market plummeted the buyers refused to buy and where many have faulted the lenders for ceasing to buy, saying if prices had gone higher but the cocoa beans already collateralized and purchased at lower prices the agreement would still stand.

International buyers refused to buy Ghana’s cocoa to higher prices, with a normalized market where supply improved with the weather now favourable and countries as Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria improving productions and retailing at lower prices. A speculative strategy led by COCOBOD's price hike, speculators exiting, strengthened currency making Ghana cocoa less attractive to buyers, etc. left the farmers in a bad shape. The board now has a total debt of GH₵ 31.9 billion.

We however called out that this does not justify price injustice to farmers. Farmers wailed despite price rally to highest peak for a year and half. The cocoa farmers realize less than a dollar a day. Ghanaian farmers consistently received lower than 40% of market value for cocoa during the global price surge.

We deliberated on the place for justice, equality and indigenous processing to trap in earnings, and a restructured market serving Africa and especially Nigeria, where Africa consumes $3.3 million tonnes of chocolate worth $16 billion and Nigeria $40 million chocolate. Also whether Ghana pulling out from international financing and reengineering local financing could work.

Summary

In this conversation, Toheeb Azeez (host) and Adekanmi Adesuyi (Sam, the Guest) discuss the evolving economic landscape between Nigeria and Canada, emphasizing the importance of global engagement, agricultural practices, and the need for youth involvement in farming. The dialogue explores the challenges faced by Nigeria's economy, the lessons that can be learned from Canada's economic and agricultural successes, and the potential for strengthening trade relations between the two countries. The dialogue highlights the significance of innovative practices and infrastructure investment in addressing food security and economic growth. Also discussed were the potential for trade and collaboration between Nigeria and Canada, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to achieve food self-sufficiency and local production before focusing on exports and partnerships. The conversation highlighted the importance of energy collaboration, technological exchange, and the role of the private sector in driving agricultural growth. Sam stressed the necessity of consistent agricultural policies and innovation to improve productivity and create a sustainable economy. He advocates for a strong public-private partnership to harness Nigeria's resources effectively and build a robust agricultural sector.

Background

This conversation explored the Canadian and Nigerian Agrifood Markets and opportunities for collaborations.

The conversation is timely as Nigeria begins to engage globally, opening a historic sovereign pavilion, the Nigerian House Davos at the World Economic Forum 2026, where it seeks investments and partnerships but one founded on respect and mutual benefits.

Canada appears a suitable candidate professing such ethos seeking new partnerships, with trade hostilities from the United States.

Nigeria and Canada have much in common, endowed with resources, powerhouses for oil and agricultural productions and exports powering the world economy, beautiful, multicultural and strategically positioned attracting visits and investments.These features also make them ground of geopolitical concern and influence and susceptible to global economic disruptions.The geopolitical conflicts, trade war, energy insecurity, and domestic issues -political instability and rising nationalism, inflation, interest rates and infrastructure gap are impacting production landscape and affecting food systems, output and demand. This conversation looked at factors shaping events in respective countries and their effects, what can be learnt and adopted, to build resilience, and also cement and boost trade between both countries that already conduct bilateral trade, one valued at $3.5 billion.

Sound Bites

"We need to build ourselves."

"We can build unimaginable things in Nigeria."

"We have to have what we want to give -negotiating from a place of value is better."

"No one is coming to save us. Only Africa will develop Africa."

"Government must find a way to make private sector work."

"In other climes governments depend on businesses, but here businesses depend on governments."

#GlobalEngagement #Nigeria #WorldEconomicForum #InternationalRelations #Respect #Dignity #Partnerships #Podcast #EngageWithUs #Innovation #Canada #EconomicGrowth #Collaboration #Farming #Podcast #SustainableDevelopment #JoinTheConversation #SocialInclusion #Podcast #EconomicJustice #ListenAndShare #Future #Leadership #YourThoughts #AgrifoodMarket #Agribusiness #PublicPrivatePartnerships #ArtificialIntelligence #CreativeEconomy #EnergySecurity #Insecurity #MarketCarneyDavosSpeech #MiddlePowers

Summary

This conversation explores the intersection of health, nutrition, and lifestyle, focusing on the pressing health crises in Nigeria, including non-communicable diseases and infectious diseases. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nutrition in disease prevention, the impact of lifestyle choices on health, particularly fertility, and the role of community education and government in promoting healthy practices. Practical steps for healthier living are also highlighted, including dietary changes and the importance of gut health.

Background

Nigeria grapples with persistent infectious diseases (malaria, cholera, Lassa fever, STIs, etc.) and a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, prostate cancer, hormonal imbalances).

Life expectancy hovers at 54 to 56 years far below global averages while NCDs drive massive economic losses through productivity drops, catastrophic household costs, and premature deaths.

Malnutrition worsens it all, about 32% of children under 5 are stunted, nearly 2 million face severe acute malnutrition (SAM), exclusive breastfeeding is only 29-34%, and undernutrition among women of reproductive age contributes to Nigeria's high maternal mortality share.

Also, men face particular risks from prostate cancer, heart disease, and diabetes often linked to lifestyle and late detection, while women bear heavy burdens from hormonal issues, infertility (10-30% of couples), and maternal deaths tied to undernutrition.

Early nutritional gaps combined with modern lifestyle factors (sedentary habits, processed diets, stress, social dynamics) fuel these interconnected risk, however, change is possible through evidence-based action.

Our Guest Olubukola Poopola helps to understand these issues and address them.

She is the Founder, CEO & Lead Trainer of a specialized club, Top-Total Fitness & Wellness dedicated to helping expectant and aspiring mothers achieve optimal reproductive health, through tailored routines, nutritional guidance, and wellness coaching, she has supported numerous women and men on their journey to conception and healthy pregnancy.

Olubukola is a dynamic professional with a strong academic and practical background in Animal Products and Processing. She earned both her BSc and MSc degrees in this field, with focused research on improving the quality, safety, and sustainability of nutrients dense foods, she proceeded into obtaining a sound knowledge of Nutrition.

Over the years, she has co-authored more than 13 journal articles indexed on Google Scholar, working collaboratively on high-impact research that spans animal biotechnology, food processing innovations, and sustainable livestock practices.

Her work bridges the gap between science and society -integrating evidence-based knowledge from animal science with practical applications in human health and wellbeing. Her unique blend of scientific rigor and community engagement continues to make a meaningful impact, both in academic circles and in the lives of everyday people.

Takeaways

1. Nigeria faces a dual health crisis of infectious & non-communicable diseases.
2. Malnutrition significantly impacts childhood development & health outcomes.
3. Lifestyle factors, including diet & exercise, contribute to rising health issues.
4. Nutrition plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system.
5. Community education is vital for promoting healthy eating habits.
6. Government policies should support access to nutritious food.
7. Gut health is essential for overall well-being and nutrient absorption.
8. Reducing refined carbohydrates can help prevent chronic diseases.
9. Exercise should be balanced to avoid hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.
10. Parents play a key role in instilling healthy habits in children.

Title: WEF 26 & State of the Globe -A new World Order

Cohost: Olugbenga Aderemi-Williams

Summary

In this conversation, Toheeb Azeez & Gbenga Aderemi-Williams discuss Trumps' intent to take Greenland and the implications, Trump's Board of Peace initiative, the geopolitical shifts in global alliances, and the challenges faced by the U.S. in maintaining its influence. The dialogue also touches on the significance of the World Economic Forum, world inequality, and Nigeria's efforts to engage on the global stage, highlighting the complexities of international relations and the need for economic reform. In this conversation, Toheeb and Gbenga discuss various pressing issues in Nigeria, including the urgent need for infrastructure and education, the importance of cultural representation, and the potential for tourism to drive economic growth. They also address the impact of social media on content creation, the challenges facing agriculture and food security, and the necessity of collaboration within communities. Furthermore, the conversation touches on globalization, multiculturalism, nationalism, and immigration issues, AI, space mission, hunger poverty and unemployment, and geopolitical tensions in Somalia, highlighting the interconnectedness of these topics and the need for proactive solutions.

Takeaways

• The Board of Peace is seen as a tool for Trump to gain wealth.
• Trump's Greenland ambitions have faced significant political backlash.
• European countries are moving towards a multipolar world order.
• The U.S. is losing its influence in global politics.
• Peace agreements brokered by Trump are fragile and often superficial.
• Davos serves as a platform for the elite, often criticized for hypocrisy.
• Nigeria's engagement in Davos reflects a shift towards global business.
• The importance of addressing human capital in Nigeria's development.
• International organizations often prioritize the interests of powerful nations.
• Trust in U.S. leadership is diminishing among global partners. Urgent actions are needed in Northern Nigeria to address crises.
• Fundamentals like education and infrastructure are crucial for development.
• Cultural representation is vital for improving Nigeria's global image.
• Tourism has the potential to significantly boost Nigeria's economy.
• Social media content often glorifies negative behavior.
• AI is displacing jobs and changing the employment landscape.
• Globalization is facing pushback in developed countries.
• Immigration policies need to be reevaluated for better outcomes.
• Geopolitical tensions in Somalia are influenced by external powers.
• Collaboration within communities is essential for national development.

Sound bites

"We need to get those fundamentals right."

"We are exporting our culture, our food."

"AI is taking a lot of people's jobs."

• Unlocking SME Growth: Strategies for Success

• Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Summary

This conversation delves into the intricacies of starting and sustaining small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It highlights the importance of having a clear vision, understanding the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the necessity of proper funding and structure. The discussion emphasizes the need for resilience, accountability, and the ability to adapt and validate business ideas. Additionally, it covers the significance of joining relevant associations to leverage resources and knowledge for business growth.

Takeaways

• Starting a business today is much easier than before.
• A clear vision and mission are essential for success.
• Survival is not a sustainable business strategy.
• Entrepreneurs must be ready to face challenges and insults.
• Understanding the problem your business solves is crucial.
• Accountability in business operations is necessary for funding.
• Joining associations can provide valuable resources and support.
• Documenting operations ensures consistency and quality.
• Focus on cash flow and customer service for growth.
• Extraordinary businesses are built by ordinary people with strong procedures.

Background

For many who are into business, starting a new business today would be much easier than some few years back.

If they knew all they know now through the years or knew better, their businesses could have started out better and much easier.

They had to learn everything and do things painstakingly.

While as you create business and must the do hard works and have your own unique experiences that shape your approach, would you have to go through what there is already structured process for and with much likelihood of results, backdrop of learnings from repeated experiences of other people?

The episode shares insights about about fast-tracking SMEs' growth. Ensuring the fundamentals in the founding days and setting up operation for efficiency, effectiveness and viability.

It proffers answers to the questions: How should a small business start, what should it look like, what should be the big picture, what are the things to put in place in the early phase and inculcate at every step to ensure attraction of the right resources, consistent results and sustainable growth?

The Guest, Business Coach Adebisi Adeeko is an experienced business professional with 16 years experience in the field, has undertaken businesses at different levels, worked with diverse organizations to structure and execute strategy and projects for impact, coached, mentored and trained entrepreneurs, and thus have empowered many youths and women.

Sound Bites

"Survival is not a strategy for business."

"What problem is your business solving?"

"You must be ready to take insults."

#TheLasgidiFarmerPodcast #SMEs # BusinessGrowth #Startup #Accelerator # BusinessinNigeria #BusinessStructure #BusinessSystem #BusinessManagement #Grow #Scale #Sustainability #BusinessAdvice #HowRunABusiness #Entreperneuership #Entrepreneur #MSME #Africa #Nigeria #EmergingMarket #DevelopingEconomies

In this powerful episode of The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast, we sat with Jacob Oluwayanmife Abiodun, founder and CEO of Coconoto, a trailblazing climate-smart agritech company revolutionizing Nigeria's coconut value chain by turning abundant agricultural waste into sustainable, high-value products.

Nigeria, the world's 19th largest coconut producer with over 270,000 metric tonnes annually (projected to reach 500,000 MT by 2025), wastes around 40% of its harvest while burning shells that pollute the environment and importing $21 million worth of derivatives like cocopeat each year.

Despite a domestic cocopeat market valued at $4.67 million and a global market exploding toward $16.8 billion by 2034, Nigeria captures just 0.11% of that global share, highlighting massive untapped potential for local production, import substitution, job creation, and export growth.

Jacob, a mechanical engineer from Federal University of Technology Akure, shares his inspiring journey: from an unexpected pivot into agriculture, building patented dehusking and deshelling machines, to establishing the Cococycle Hub that processes coconut husks into premium cocopeat (ideal for soilless/hydroponic farming with superior water retention, nutrient release, aeration, drainage, and antimicrobial properties), cocofibre, and upcoming biodegradable Cocopot bioplastics via his innovative "Odd Fusion" process.

The conversation covers Jacob's resilience -bouncing back from the #Fuze Talent Show rejection (viewed as valuable feedback), personal setbacks like an accident, yet scaling production from 20kg to 200kg weekly, stocking over 2 tons of husks, generating more than ₦2 million in revenue, launching the Coconoto marketplace, expanding cocofibre sales, introducing CocoDrinkEat, and growing a vibrant community.

Key highlights include:

• The science and impact of upcycling waste to reduce pollution and empower horticulturists/farmers

• Barriers to a self-sufficient value chain (infrastructure, policy, finance) and untapped opportunities beyond cocopeat (e.g., coir, fertilizers, activated carbon)

• Why building indigenous, scalable tech beats importing equipment for addressing crude methods and enabling exports

• Role of public-private partnerships in stabilizing prices, lowering costs, and benefiting smallholder farmers' livelihoods

• Lessons from global leaders (India, Indonesia, Malaysia) on ecosystem shifts for high-quality, export-ready products

• Coconoto's 5 to 10 year vision: expanding across Africa, penetrating global markets, driving eco-friendly farming, and creating widespread jobs and opportunities

This episode is a must-listen for farmers, agritech entrepreneurs, sustainability advocates, policymakers, and anyone passionate about waste-to-wealth, circular economy, and building Africa's agricultural self-sufficiency.

Tune in now on Spotify. Subscribe to The Lasgidi Farmer Podcast (also on YouTube) for more insights on food, agriculture, and development in Nigeria and beyond!

#CoconutValueChain #WasteToWealth #AgritechNigeria #Cocopeat #SustainableFarming #Coconoto #NigeriaAgriculture #ImportSubstitution #EcoFriendly