Valentine Eleta wants more Nigeria-Centric Agricultural Research

Valentine Eleta, Founder Rainmaker Agro Innovations Ltd.

Valentine's journey into agriculture began long before it became his profession. Growing up, he farmed alongside his father, developing a love for the land and an appreciation for its potential.

This early exposure inspired him to pursue a degree in Agronomy and Soil Science at the University of Benin, where he honed his understanding of farming systems.

Today, Valentine is an agribusiness consultant with a mission to tackle the systemic challenges in Nigeria's agricultural sector. For him, the key to sustainable progress lies in research and funding focused on locally consumed crops.

From Cucumbers to Consulting

Valentine's professional agricultural journey kicked off in 2014 when he started cultivating cucumbers in Ogbomosho. He supplied markets in Ilorin and Lagos, but cucumbers turned out to be a demanding crop.

"Cucumbers needed daily attention, and it just wasn't sustainable for me," he explained.

Eventually, Valentine switched to maize, cassava, and groundnuts—crops that required less intensive daily care. In 2017, he became a Research Fellow at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

The experience gave him a deeper understanding of the potentials of research and development in agriculture. Which led to his transitioning into agribusiness consulting. His agribusiness consulting firm, Rainmaker Agro Innovations, offers farm setup services, agro advisory, and the supply of agricultural commodities.

Challenges in Nigerian Agriculture

His hands-on experience with various crops has given Valentine unique insights into the challenges facing Nigerian agriculture. He pointed to several key issues:

- Supply Chain Inefficiencies: Poor market linkages between rural and urban areas result in high post-harvest losses.

- Insecurity: Threats to farmers and their operations disrupt production.

- Seasonal Unpredictability: Heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture creates disparities in crop availability.

- Cost and Access to Inputs: High input costs make farming less accessible for smallholder farmers.

He also noted how swings in crop production are influenced by the availability and affordability of inputs, export demands driven by global trends, and religious and cultural practices that affect planting and harvesting cycles.

Research Disparities Between Crops

Valentine's time at IITA revealed a critical gap in agricultural research. He is especially vocal about the disparity between staple grains and tuber crops. While export crops like maize and rice have benefited from decades of research, locally consumed staples like yam are lagging behind.

"Rice, maize, and wheat have seen significant advancements in varieties and farming techniques," Valentine said. "Cassava and yam, on the other hand, haven't received nearly as much attention, even though they're staples for millions of Nigerians."

For him, increased funding and research into these crops could improve yields, streamline production processes, and unlock their economic potential.

Mechanization and Standardization

This research gap directly impacts the potential for modernizing traditional farming methods. Valentine is a strong advocate for mechanized production and automation, especially for yam farming.

"There's no fully automated system for growing tuber crops like yam, which is what Nigeria is known for," he explained. "Investing in mechanization and standardization could transform the industry."

He believes standardized practices, combined with mechanized farming, would boost productivity and make Nigerian agriculture more competitive globally.

Insights from the Cassava Value Chain

Through his consulting work, Valentine has gained deep insights into the complexities of the cassava value chain:

- Production Cycle: Cassava takes 9–11 months to mature, with harvesting times varying based on its intended use.

- Post-Harvest Processing: Cassava needs to be processed within 24–48 hours of harvest due to rapid starch degradation. Washing the tubers may extend their shelf life slightly, but only for about two days.

- Input Access: Many smallholder farmers replant stems from previous harvests to cut costs, but this practice often leads to lower yields over time.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for research into improved cassava varieties, better processing techniques, and access to quality inputs.

Call to Action

Drawing from his journey—from farming cucumbers to consulting on major crops—Valentine sees the future of Nigerian agriculture hinging on research, funding, and mechanization. He believes that stakeholders need to prioritize crops like cassava and yam, which are central to Nigeria's food security.

"The future of Nigerian agriculture depends on our ability to produce more efficiently and sustainably," Valentine said. "We need research that addresses our local challenges, funding to support innovation, and mechanization to boost productivity."

Valentine's vision is clear: a Nigeria where agriculture thrives through collaboration, innovation, and investment in the crops that feed its people. His call to action isn't just about boosting agricultural output—it's about building a resilient food system that empowers smallholder farmers and secures the nation's food supply.