What is Young Farmers Business Academy (YFBA) ?
KIC has introduced the Young Farmers Business Academy ( YFBA) to nurture and support the next generation of commercial farmers. This model will focus on training and providing starter pack for young people who want to go into primary production. This component will leverage on existing agribusinesses and commercial farms with facilities, including land to get young people into primary production.
Who can be a part of the program?
The program is open to
- All students and graduates from the 16 participating universities/ colleges in partnership with KIC across the country.
- All young person living with the catchment Districts and communities of the 16 partnership universities.
The following are eligible to apply:
- Age: Applicants should be between 18 to 35 years old to qualify for the program.
- Gender: High priority will be given to Females, Persons living with disability (PWDs) and marginalized groups.
- Educational Background:
- a) Preference will be given to applicants with a minimum of a Basic School or equivalent. Those with agricultural-related qualifications will be highly considered. This is for Persons who are interested in primary agriculture production and are yet to implement their ideas but meet the general eligibility criteria.
- b) No educational requirement for young people who are currently engaged in primary production but yet to formalize their businesses or want to scale-up and meet the general eligibility criteria.
- Passion for Agriculture: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest and passion for agriculture, particularly in primary production and livestock farming.
- Entrepreneurial aptitude: Candidates should exhibit entrepreneurial qualities such as innovation, creativity, and a desire to start and manage their own agricultural businesses.
- Commitment to Learning: Applicants must be committed to continuous learning and improvement in agricultural practices through the duration of the program.
- Availability: Candidates should be able to commit full-time to the program and be available to participate in all training sessions, workshops, and practical exercises.
- Community Engagement: Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated involvement or interest in community development initiatives related to agriculture.
- Financial Need: Priority will be given to applicants from low-income backgrounds or underserved communities who lack access to resources and opportunities in agriculture.
- Agricultural Experience: While prior experience in agriculture is not mandatory, candidates with some level of practical experience or exposure to farming activities will be considered favourably.
- Sustainability Mindset: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to sustainable farming practices that promote environmental conservation and long-term viability of agricultural enterprises.
How can I enroll on the program?
To enroll for the program, please apply via the KIC application portal or access the link directly from here.
What is the duration of the program?
The program is expected to take 7 months, in line with the traditional KIC AgriTech Challenge Classic. Depending on the crop or animal husbandry option taken, the production period could take 3- 6 months. There will also be coaching and training on Farming as A Business. Modules taken under this training would also include agribusiness management and entrepreneurship.
Who is KIC partnering with and what will be their specific roles?
KIC is partnering with 16 institutions and commercial farms across the Zone of influence. These stakeholders will leader on both technical and business management trainings at the school and community level. They be the main interface between participants and KIC. Commercial farms will be engage to provide mentoring and coaching support to the program.
What is the minimum size of land?
The minimum land size is 1 acre at lease and 2 acres at most depending on the crop area and the number of young people in the team.
Can schools accept land outside the university or land that does not belong to the university?
Yes, school will work with young people who have secure lands with their communities for production purposes. Young people with their own facilities and systems will also be set up under this model. The model will avoid investing in physical structures but adopt rental (in the case of greenhouse), open field or vertical farming systems.
Will KIC provide facilitation for universities/ colleges whose farms are off campus?
KIC will work with institutions and the young person to aid their effective participation in the program. This implies working to identify the most effective means of transport and alternatives available to ensure participant are able to make the most of the program.
Will the program work with Farmer Based Organisations?
The program through the various implementing institutions will work with FBOs within the catchment areas grouping select crops been prioritized under their production umbrella.
Can I join if I have already started a Farming Business and want to scale or get technical know-how?
Yes students/ graduates who have already started a farm business and would like to join are encouraged to apply. They will receive tailor made training and will also benefit from a mentorship program from an experienced commercial farmer. This component will leverage existing agribusinesses and commercial farms with facilities, including land to get young people into primary production. They will be attached to these farms for a period. Young people with their own facilities and systems will also be set up under this model. The model will avoid investing in physical structures but adopt rental (in the case of greenhouse), open field or vertical farming systems.
I have no prior experience in farming, will this program still be helpful to me?
Yes, this program is also for you. You will be trained and given a starter pack.
Will I be paying for the resources received?
No, KIC will provide all the resources needed during the program implementation phase. For growth and scale -up, businesses who make profit will then be expected to take up full growth of their business. KIC may provide some support for scale up.
What crops can I cultivate?
The value chains will include but not limited to the following: Crops Staples (Rice, Maize, Cassava etc) & Horticultural crops (Vegetables, fruits); Animal Husbandry or Livestock: Poultry, Piggery, Goats; Fishing Aquaculture (Catfish); Apiary (Bee keeping) among others.
What animal husbandry sectors can I enroll for?
Animal Husbandry or Livestock, Poultry, Piggery, Goats; Fishing Aquaculture (Catfish); Apiary among others.
Can I grow more than 1 crop during a season?
Yes, it is possible to grow more than one crop for the duration of the program, Hover, participants may have to focus on one crop per season and move to another crop after post-harvest.
Will I be assured of a ready market for my produce?
KIC has developed the program to support market linkages. This will be through direct access to local markets, warehousing as well as using the off taker and aggregator models.
Can I go into value addition?
Yes, in addition to production, individuals/ team can process agricultural produce for market.
Will I have to sign an agreement of land lease with the partnering university?
For how long will the farmland from the university be available for production use under the YFBA?
How will I progress to having my own established commercial farming enterprise?
Participants under the program will be expected to progress into their own commercial farming enterprise.