Agribusiness in Nigeria, encompassing farming and post-harvest related activities, plays a crucial role in the nation's economy by contributing significantly to GDP and providing substantial employment. Despite its importance, the sector faces major financing challenges. Agribusiness financing, which includes loans, credit lines, guarantees, and grants, is essential for boosting sector output and ensuring food security. However, the sector is under-financed due to perceived high risks. These risks stem from several sources: the unpredictable nature of agricultural production due to dependence on weather conditions, the volatility of commodity prices, and the vulnerability of agricultural assets to pests, diseases and natural disasters.
Compared to other sectors like oil and telecommunications, agriculture receives less than 5% share of credit despite accounting for a quarter of economic output. With a financing gap estimated at N76 trillion (USD 183 billion), developing robust and accessible funding systems is increasingly critical. This publications breaks down the world of finance for entrepreneurs seeking to raise money to support their agrifood venture.