In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian agriculture, where innovation and dedication are key drivers of success, Damilola Awe has made a name for herself as the CEO of DDEE Farms. Her journey from a passionate agripreneur to a leading figure in the horticulture sector not only serves as an inspiration but also showcases the power of strategic partnerships and support systems. One such partnership that has significantly impacted Damilola’s journey is her collaboration with the HortiNigeria program.
The Rise of DDEE Farms
Damilola’s passion for agriculture was sparked after she left her job as a cost estimator in 2020. Needing a stable source of income, she turned to agriculture, understanding its potential to provide a sustainable livelihood. This led her to establish DDEE Farms, a venture focused on vegetable production in Oyo State. Over the years, DDEE Farms has evolved into a thriving enterprise, specializing in the cultivation and aggregation of vegetables from smallholder farmers, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
Under Damilola’s leadership, DDEE Farms has increased its production capacity, becoming a model for small- and medium-sized agricultural enterprises in Nigeria. This achievement was recently recognized on a grand stage when Damilola was presented with the Agropreneur Award, an initiative of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria. This prestigious honor celebrates innovation, sustainability, and significant contributions to the Nigerian food system. After a rigorous review of 20 nominations, DDEE Farms emerged as the winner.
Damilola’s commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement has earned DDEE Farms a reputation for excellence, making it a preferred supplier for local markets and food processing companies.
The Role of HortiNigeria
As a partner of HortiNigeria, Damilola noted that she has obtained the resources and support needed to scale her business. These include the following:
- Capacity Building: One significant way HortiNigeria has supported Damilola is through its capacity building programs. These programs have equipped Damilola and her team with the latest knowledge and skills in production and financial management. The training sessions organized by HortiNigeria have helped DDEE Farms improve the quality of its produce and enhanced the farm’s operational efficiency and capability to access finance.
- Innovation and Technology: In 2023, DDEE Farms alongside other farmers in her hub – GreenRich Hub- piloted the use of a solar-powered pump for crop irrigation, significantly reducing production costs and improving overall farming operations. Through support from HortiNigeria, adoption of this technology has resulted in a weekly fuel savings of 30,000 naira, or 360,000 naira over a three- to four-month tomato production cycle. This innovation highlights Damilola’s commitment to sustainability and sets a benchmark for other farmers in the region.
- Expanding Reach and Impact: By 2024, the GreenRich Hub expanded its operations to Ago Are (110 to 120 Kilometers away from Ibadan, the State’s capital) establishing a network of tomato farmers. Through HortiNigeria’s support, the company has introduced high-yielding hybrid tomato seeds and provided comprehensive training on nurturing healthy seedlings. Over 50 farmers received 25,000 seedlings, empowering them to enhance their crop yields and improve their livelihoods. Additionally, the introduction of sturdy crates for harvesting and transportation has reduced post-harvest losses, further streamlining operations and increasing profitability for the farmers.
- Market Access and Sustainability: HortiNigeria has also played a crucial role in expanding the market reach of DDEE Farms. Through the program’s market linkage initiatives, Damilola has been able to connect with buyers beyond her local community, tapping into regional and even international markets. This has increased the business’s revenue and created more job opportunities for the local community. The use of hybrid seeds has led to a substantial increase in crop yields, making the produce from DDEE Farms highly sought after by middlemen, thus solidifying its position as a reliable supplier of high-quality tomatoes.
Impact on the Community
Damilola’s success is not just a personal achievement; it is a victory for her entire community. By working with HortiNigeria, Damilola has been able to create employment opportunities for young people, especially women, in her locality. DDEE Farms has become a hub for knowledge sharing, where aspiring farmers can learn about modern horticultural practices and sustainable farming. Damilola’s story has inspired many young people to consider agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.
Looking Ahead
As Damilola Awe continues to lead DDEE Farms toward greater achievements, her partnership with HortiNigeria remains a cornerstone of her success. With continued support from the program, she is determined to scale up her operations, explore new markets, and continue to advocate for sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
The HortiNigeria program (2021-2025), funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) in Nigeria, aims to facilitate the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector that contributes to food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
