FCMB Advocates Value-Chain Coordination for Food Security

At an agricultural conference held in Lagos, FCMB highlighted the critical role of value-chain coordination in improving food security in Nigeria. The conference, themed "Seed, Feed, Strengthen Agricultural Input for Food Security," gathered policymakers, agribusiness operators, and financial institutions to address constraints in the agricultural input system and financing infrastructure.

Kudzai Gumunyu, Division Head of Agribusiness at First City Monument Bank (FCMB), emphasized the need for an inclusive financial model that addresses the unique realities of Nigeria's agricultural sector, where smallholder farmers contribute nearly 90% of agricultural production. The discussion focused on building a risk mitigation framework and structuring guarantees to de-risk lending, ensuring farmers have access to the capital needed for growth.

The coordinated approach aims to improve outcomes, enhance product aggregation, and facilitate market access, ultimately strengthening food security in Nigeria.