When Onyeka Akumah founded Farmcrowdy in 2016, he had one bold mission: to revolutionize agriculture in Nigeria by connecting smallholder farmers to much-needed capital, technology, and access to markets. Born out of a desire to empower farmers with the resources they needed to thrive, Akumah’s vision was clear from the start. The traditional farming system in Nigeria was plagued by inefficiencies, lack of funding, and limited access to critical technology and markets.
With a background in marketing and technology, Akumah saw an opportunity to bridge this gap using digital platforms. Farmcrowdy became the first digital agriculture platform in Nigeria, allowing individuals and organizations to sponsor smallholder farmers. Through this innovative model, farmers received the necessary funding to improve productivity, while sponsors earned a return on their investments.
Since its inception, Farmcrowdy has empowered over 500,000 farmers across Nigeria, giving them the tools to grow their businesses and feed millions. The platform has successfully raised millions of dollars in funding, facilitating the cultivation of over 16,000 acres of farmland. Additionally, Farmcrowdy has delivered over 3 million kilograms of food to markets, making a significant impact on food security in Nigeria.
Akumah’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards for his contribution to agriculture, including being named to Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list. Farmcrowdy’s success has also inspired a wave of agritech innovations across Africa, with Akumah continuing to lead as a pioneer in the field.
By leveraging technology to create a more sustainable and profitable agricultural system, Akumah’s Farmcrowdy has transformed not just the lives of Nigerian farmers but the future of agriculture across the continent.
