MAGGI Nigeria’s Regenerative Farming Initiative Takes Root, Empowering 25,000 Smallholder Farmers.
By Blessing Umebali
MAGGI, Nigeria’s leading seasoning brand from Nestlé, has successfully completed its Regenerative Agriculture (RegenAg) pilot for local soybean sourcing, marking a significant milestone that has inspired a broader program now supporting 25,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria. Launched in 2023 with an investment of over ₦100 million, the pilot supported 1,030 soybean farmers in adopting climate-smart practices that improved their yields while restoring soil health.
Implemented in partnership with TechnoServe and IDH, with technical guidance from the Centre for No-Till Agriculture (CNTA), Ghana, the project demonstrated the potential of regenerative farming to transform smallholder agriculture in Nigeria. The pilot introduced simple yet effective techniques such as cover cropping, minimal tillage (ripping), crop rotation, and hedgerows, leading to healthier soils and higher yields.
“Supporting local farmers to grow soybean sustainably is central to our mission,” said Funmi Osineye, Category Manager for Culinary, Nestlé Nigeria. “This initiative is more than a sourcing strategy; it’s an investment in resilient food systems. By equipping farmers, especially women and youth, with regenerative agriculture skills, we’re improving productivity today while protecting the land for future generations.”
The pilot’s success was celebrated at an event attended by over 150 stakeholders, where five award-winning farmers were recognized for their outstanding adoption of regenerative practices. One of the farmers, Engineer Lawan Abdul, reported a 100% increase in yields since adopting the strategies.
The pilot’s success has paved the way for a larger initiative, backed by AGRA and Nestlé, to reach 25,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria, aiming to produce at least 80,000 metric tonnes of quality grains annually, with a growing share cultivated using regenerative practices.
“This project shows what is possible when businesses, development partners, and farmers work together,” said Alidu Amadu, Head of Agriculture Services, Nestlé Central & West Africa Region. “Regenerative agriculture not only restores soil health but also builds long-term productivity and resilience for local communities.” This initiative contributes to Nestlé’s global ambition to source 20% of key ingredients through regenerative agricultural methods by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
