ibironkeeniola 
Women are cultivating water leaves in Esin Ufot, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, on May 12th, 2014.
A Nigerian agric technology company, Thrive Agric, Tuesday recived a $1.75 million co-investment grant from USAID-funded West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (Trade Hub).
The Trade Hub is a USAID-funded initiative to co-invest with the private sector to generate new private investment, create new jobs, and increase the value of regional and international exports in West Africa.
The fund will support 50,000 smallholder women and youth farmers growing rice, maize and soybean, a statement by Trade Hub explained.
The farmers targeted are majorly located in Kaduna, Kebbi and Kano States.
The farmers will receive agronomy advisory services, pre-and post-harvest storage and logistics support, links to credit and agriculture insurance products, and access to the company’s current and future mobile apps.
Aside from this paternership, Thrive Agric says it will raise at least $10 million to fund this support.
The project’s success will see at least 50,000 metric tons of rice, maize, and soybean produced by the end of the 2021 season, which will be sold to premium markets and result in farmers enjoying higher-than-normal incomes.
In addition, the project will create 1,000 jobs for others involved in the agricultural value chain, including for prospective farm, field, and warehouse managers.
Nearly 70 per cent of these jobs will go to women, who are often overlooked for higher-paying managerial positions.