Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program for Young Nigerians 2025

Hey there, young go-getters! If you’ve ever dreamed of making a significant impact in the world of agriculture while carving out a career for yourself, then the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme is calling your name.

This initiative by the Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with Songhai, is not just another scholarship program; it’s a transformative journey into the heart of sustainable farming and agro-entrepreneurship.

Program Overview

The Songhai/Mastercard Integrated Agriculture Scholarship is pioneering a new wave of agricultural education in Nigeria. With the aim of training and empowering over 3,000 young Nigerians, particularly focusing on 70% young women within the next three years, this program is set to revolutionize how we think about farming.

It’s about more than just growing crops; it’s about growing leaders in sustainable agriculture, modern farm management, and innovative agro-business.

Goal: The primary objective is to transform young people into modern farm managers, technicians, and agro-entrepreneurs. By doing so, this initiative hopes to contribute significantly to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability across Nigeria.

Duration and Structure: This isn’t your typical classroom setup. We’re talking about a three-month intensive boot camp that dives deep into the nuts and bolts of agro-business.

The curriculum is designed to cover key areas like sustainable farming methods, hands-on agricultural experience, and the business side of farming. Each module aims to prepare participants for the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector over the next decade.

Perks: Here’s where it gets even better. The program offers full sponsorship, meaning your meals, accommodation, training materials, certification upon completion, and even financial business support are all covered. This comprehensive package is designed to remove barriers, allowing you to focus solely on learning and growing your skills.

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure that this opportunity reaches those who can make the most of it, there are specific criteria you need to meet:

Age: You must be between 18-35 years old. This program is for the youth who will lead the future of Nigerian agriculture.
Agricultural Passion or Venture: Whether you’ve already started an agricultural venture or you’re brimming with passion and ideas about starting one, this is for you. The program values both experience and enthusiasm.
Location: You need to be able to travel to one of the training locations in Oyo, Ebonyi, or Owerri for the duration of the boot camp. This ensures you’re fully immersed in the program environment.
Support Structure: Having a support system back home is crucial. Whether it’s family, community, or a network that supports your agricultural journey, this helps in implementing what you learn effectively once you return.

Also Apply: Exciting Career Opportunities with Olam Agri

The curriculum is broken down into several key areas:

Crop Production: From soil science to modern planting techniques, learn how to maximize yield while minimizing environmental impact.
Animal Husbandry: Understand the nuances of raising livestock sustainably, including health management, feed formulation, and ethical practices.
Aquaculture: Dive into fish farming, learning about water management, species selection, and sustainable practices in aquaculture.
Food Processing: Turn your agricultural produce into profitable products. This includes everything from basic preservation techniques to advanced food technology.

Each segment is taught by experts who are not only educators but also practitioners in the field, ensuring you get both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Life at the Boot Camp

Imagine three months of living, breathing, and dreaming agriculture in a community of like-minded individuals. The boot camp isn’t just about lectures; it’s a lifestyle. Here’s what you can expect:

Hands-On Experience: Daily activities include working in the fields, managing livestock, or experimenting with food processing, giving you real-world experience.
Community Living: You’ll live in shared accommodations, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. This environment encourages networking and the exchange of ideas.
Workshops and Seminars: Beyond the regular curriculum, there will be interactive workshops, guest lectures from industry leaders, and seminars on topics like agricultural technology and market trends.
Mentorship: Each participant is assigned a mentor who guides them through the program and beyond, helping to navigate the agricultural industry or start their own venture.

The ImpactWhy should you care? Because this program isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about national and even continental transformation:

Empowerment: By focusing on young women, the program aims to dismantle gender barriers in agriculture, leading to a more diverse and inclusive industry.
Sustainability: With a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, participants will be part of the solution to climate change and resource conservation.
Economic Development: By creating skilled agro-entrepreneurs, this initiative supports local economies, reduces unemployment, and promotes self-sufficiency in food production.
Innovation: The training encourages innovative thinking, from using technology in farming to finding new ways to market agricultural products.