Abdulmajid Garba Bututu, a resilient 51-year-old entrepreneur and father of 20 from Kano State, exemplifies the transformative power of determination and capacity building. Despite having only a secondary education, Abdulmajid’s unwavering drive has propelled him to become a successful agro-input dealer and farmer who can provide for his large family.
Abdulmajid’s journey into the agro-input business began in 1989 when a ban on imports of fertilizer to Kano State threatened the livelihoods of local farmers. Refusing to accept defeat, he traveled to Lagos State to procure fertilizer from Golden Fertilizer Company Limited. Abdulmajid was inspired to motivate fellow farmers and began selling fertilizers and other agro-inputs to alleviate the burden on his community.
In 2022, the HortiNigeria program reached Abdulmajid’s community, marking a significant turning point in his business. Abdulmajid saw the potential of the HortiNigeria program and embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, attending training and applying his newfound knowledge to his business operations.
“Since partnering with HortiNigeria, I have gained knowledge of agro-input use and become more business-oriented. I have learned recordkeeping and expanded my customer base from about 3,500 to 6,000 customers annually.”
Abdulmajid Garba Bututu
His income has doubled, with four loads of fertilizer selling out within a week, each generating a profit of approximately 2 million Naira, or about U.S. $1,235. In addition to increasing his revenue, Abdulmajid takes pride in equipping the farmers he sells to with the knowledge they need to improve their productivity, giving him hope for building a sustainable horticulture sector.
Abdulmajid’s story highlights the profound impact that capacity building can have on individuals and their communities. By embracing opportunities for growth and development, Abdulmajid not only transformed his own life but also became a pillar of support and inspiration for his community.
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.
