June 06, 2024

Empowering Women in African Agribusiness: The Inspiring Journey of Opeyemi through Cato Foods and 2SCALE partnership.

Staple Crops

Nigeria

In the world of African agribusiness, the intersection of gender inclusion and sustainable practices can lead to remarkable success stories. The 24 year old CEO of Pemnia Wellness-Opeyemi Adebisi's journey is evidence of the transformative power of inclusive partnerships, particularly the one between Cato Foods and 2SCALE. In this blog post, we delve into Opeyemi's inspiring path from a motivated individual with a dream to an award-winning successful food processor, highlighting the pivotal role of gender inclusion in the process.

Unwavering Commitment to Gender Inclusion

On one hand, Cato Foods, led by CEO Atinuke Lebile, operates in Southwest Nigeria with a strong commitment to gender inclusion and nutrition security. Recognizing the crucial role women play in households and the food processing industry, the company has actively pursued strategies to involve women in various stages of production, packaging, and distribution. Atinuke emphasizes the importance of empowering women and youths in the value chain.

On the other hand, the 2SCALE Program is being implemented across ten countries in Africa with the aim to achieve 50% gender inclusion across its Public Private Partnerships. A significant focus of Cato Foods and 2SCALE's partnership has been addressing malnutrition, especially at the bottom of the pyramid. Cato Foods CEO stressed the importance of reaching rural areas where individuals earn less than $2 a day. Through innovative product development, such as Castard, and 3-in-1 Garri, Cato Foods has successfully included nutritious options for those at the bottom of the socioeconomic pyramid in Nigeria. This inclusive approach reflects 2SCALE’s commitment to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of African communities.

Our partnership with 2SCALE has been a game-changer for Cato Foods. Over three years, the collaboration has accelerated business growth and upscaling, particularly benefiting smallholder farmers and researchers like Opeyemi. The introduction of the Business Support Services (BSS) into the system has allowed farmers to increase their productivity, resulting in a surplus of raw materials for Cato Foods. Additionally, 2SCALE's involvement in product development has enhanced the quality and branding of Cato Foods' products, expanding their customer base and market reach especially to the Bottom of Pyramid consumers. Now, our nutritious foods have become Affordable, Accessible and Available.

Says Atinuke Lebile.

Opeyemi's Journey into Agribusiness

Opeyemi Adebisi's story is a remarkable illustration of how gender inclusion and supportive partnerships can shape the trajectory of an individual's life. A graduate with a background in Crop Production she initially envisioned pursuing further education. However, her encounter with Cato Foods CEO, and their bio-fortified products sparked a passion for addressing Vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition in Nigeria. She joined as a trainee and smallholder farmer where she learnt good agronomic practices for farming various improved crop varieties.

Opeyemi's determination led her to venture into the production of orange-fleshed sweet potato, a bio-fortified crop that could make a significant impact. Her relentless pursuit of grants and opportunities eventually led her to the British Tobacco Nigeria Foundation Farmers for the Future (F4F) Grant - an Agricultural Entrepreneurship grant designed to support young people with viable Agri-Business with equity-free capital and other associated support they may require to scale their businesses.

The F4F grant garnered over 30,000 applications and Adebisi Opeyemi, CEO of Pemnia Wellness, emerged as the grand prize winner, receiving a 3-million-naira ($4500) award. Opeyemi's transition from a dreamer to a successful food processor exemplifies the transformative potential of inclusive agribusiness initiatives.

With the grant received, I was able to complete my product testing and through the needed value addition, I have developed four new product lines (Vita Flour, Vita Meal, Vita Garri and Vita Chips). Also, I developed my product brand, acquired new equipment’s for my business, and register my trademark.

Echoed the young CEO of Pemnia Wellness.

The Impact of Training and Support to Inclusive Agribusiness

Her travails highlights the critical role of training and support in empowering individuals especially youths to realize their potential. Timothy Ayodele, Opeyemi Adebisi’s mentor, and BSS Coach in food processing, emphasized her openness to learning and determination to make a difference.

She is always open and willing to learn, and the partnership between Cato Foods and 2SCALE, coupled with awareness campaigns on bio-fortified crops, created an avenue for Opeyemi to develop her solution. We are proud of her achievement

Says Mr. Timothy Ayodele.

In expressing her gratitude, Opeyemi acknowledges the significant impact that the Partnership has made on her journey. She extends her thanks to everyone involved, recognizing the profound support that has shaped her success.

I encourage all women and youths interested in agriculture to persevere in pursuing their dreams, the journey may not be easy, but with dedication and effort you will fulfill those dreams.

Opeyemi echoed, as she beckoned on all to partake in inclusive agribusiness.

Opeyemi's story exemplifies the power of gender inclusion, collaborative partnerships, and the transformative potential of agribusiness initiatives. Through the Cato Foods and 2SCALE partnership, Opeyemi not only found her passion but also received the training and support needed to turn her dream into a reality. As we celebrate her success, we are reminded of the positive impact that inclusive agribusiness practices can have on individuals, families, communities, and the broader goal of addressing malnutrition and food security. Opeyemi's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring individuals, particularly women and youths, to pursue their dreams in the agricultural sector, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

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