Nukushare Agro Limited

QUALITY SEED CHALLENGE; GHANA

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality seeds. 

Learn more about the Quality Seed Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

Nukushare Agro Limited is an innovative agricultural technology company that is working to increase farmers’ access and use of improved seeds and other critically needed farm inputs.

The team leverages digital technologies like USSD short codes and mobile apps to enable farmers a timely access to quality improved seeds and other farm inputs, accurate agronomic data, and agricultural services. The Nukushare initiative is aimed at improving farmers’ productivity, resilience to changing climate, and post-harvest management. The team's use of technology sets it apart from competition with the unique ability to check the distribution of fake seeds.

Nukushare Agro was founded by Selorm Komla Darkey, Etsey Dzadza and Hope Adzakpa. The team boasts of a solid knowledge and practical experience in agribusiness management, financial management and technology development.

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Reach 300 farmers during the pilot

• Distribute 4.6 metric tons of maize and 12.5 metric tons of rice seeds during the pilot

• Reach 1,500 beneficiaries by the end of year 1

• Reach 25,000 beneficiaries by the end of year 2

 

FOUNDING TEAM

Selorm Komla Darkey - Co-founder, Business Lead

Etsey Dzadza - Co-founder, Operations Lead

Hope Adzakpa - Co-founder, Tech Lead

Chubi Agro

QUALITY SEED CHALLENGE; NIGERIA

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

Quality seeds. 

Learn more about the Quality Seed Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

One proven strategy to combat low farm yields is through the use of improved seed varieties. These seeds which have higher yields and are locally adapted, have improved resistance to diseases and pests, mature earlier, and have a higher fertilizer response.

Chubi Agro will work on scaling up the distribution of high quality maize seeds by scaling up production of quality seeds in order to meet the anticipated growth in demand for improved seeds, increasing the number of distribution outlets by liaising with existing retail shops in rural communities to enhance the reach to smallholder farmers, continuing to expand an outgrower scheme in which quality seeds are distributed to farmers within the network as a loan to be repaid at the end of the harvest season, and conducting sensitization programs to increase awareness of the benefits of improved seeds as well as organize visits to demonstration farms. 

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Distribute 7,500kg of seeds during the pilot 
• Reach 200 farmers during the pilot
• Distribute 75,000kg of seeds at the end of year 2 
• Reach 3,000 farmers by the end of year 2
• Work with 100 distribution agents by the end of year 2 

 

FOUNDING TEAM

James Ogwu - Managing Director 

Bemsibom Toh - Strategy Director

Adesola Ajayi - Business Development Director

Dwokcan Ikweri Agro Processing Limited

QUALITY SEED CHALLENGE; UGANDA

PROVEN INTERVENTION TO BE DISTRIBUTED

High-quality maize and soybean seeds. 

Learn more about the Quality Seed Challenge and why an evidence-based model that distributes high-quality seeds could reliably boost the standard of living for smallholder farmers.

DISTRIBUTION MODEL INNOVATION

On average, 31.1% of farmers in Uganda use improved seeds. Inadequate access due to poor distribution networks in rural farming communities, high prices, and inadequate production knowledge are some key reasons limiting adoption and use of improved seed varieties. Local seed dealers are found in town centers and do not provide training on agronomic practices thus, farmers usually do not achieve maximum output. Maximum yields can only be achieved with better agronomic practices including timely planting, correct spacing, maximum plant population, timely weeding, and timely and correct application of fertilizer. 

The Dwokcan Ikweri Agro Processing Limited model will improve distribution of improved maize and soybean seed varieties in suitable packages with high quality seeds at affordable prices for smallholder farmers in northern Uganda. Links will be established with national and international seed producers to enable seed acquisition and distribution to farmers. Two distribution sites will be established in the chosen sub counties to ensure ease of access by smallholder farmers in these regions. Trainings will be conducted for the producing farmers to build on their knowledge and skills in maximizing production and productivity. Along with trainings and a radio program to raise awareness, 18 demonstration centers will be established in order to show better farming practices and conduct various trainings, focusing on the use of fertilizer in conjunction with improved seeds. 

PILOT AND SCALING GOALS

• Distribute improved seeds to 40 farmers by the end of year 1. 
• Distribute 2,400 Kg of seeds to 240 farmers by the end of year 2. 
• Distribute  maize and soybean seeds to 3,780 households in one district of Uganda within 5 years 
• Distribute maize and soybean seeds to 10% (13,951) of the households in three districts within 10 years

 

FOUNDING TEAM

Bua Samuel - Agronomy Manager

Amolo Herbert - Business Manager