By Faridat Salifu
At just 25 years old, Emmanuel Stephen from Adamawa State is proving that passion and hard work can lead to success, even when balancing a good job with the challenges of agriculture.
Although he graduated with a solid career, Stephen has always been fascinated by farming.
Rather than treating his job as a limiting factor, he has used it as a stepping stone to launch his own agricultural venture, with the hope of building a profitable and sustainable business for the future.
For the past two years, Stephen has been honing his skills as an apprentice on a farm, learning the technical and practical aspects of vegetable farming.
He has immersed himself in everything from soil preparation and crop cultivation to innovative irrigation methods and disease management.
His apprenticeship was made possible through his involvement in the 2SCALE project, a program designed to equip young farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the agricultural sector.
“I’ve gained so much from working hands-on with experienced farmers and mentors,” said Stephen. “The training has helped me understand the science behind farming, from choosing the right seeds to optimizing irrigation systems.
The methods I’ve learned, like using plastic mulching and drip irrigation, have not only increased my crop yields but also saved time and reduced water usage, which is crucial in our area.”
Among the various techniques Stephen has implemented, one of the most significant has been the use of high-quality seeds provided by East West Seed International, a partner of the 2SCALE project.
The results have been impressive. For example, the papaya trees he planted have flourished beyond his expectations, with some trees now holding more than 100 fruits. Even more remarkable, some papayas have reached sizes of up to 6 kilograms.
“I’ve never seen papayas like these before,” Stephen explained. “With the high-quality seeds and proper farming practices, the fruits are so large and sweet that they stand out in the market. I can sell them for 1,500 FCFA (around $2.63 USD) each, which is three times more than the typical price of other papayas. This is where the real profit is.”
Along with papayas, Stephen also grows a variety of vegetables, including onions, tomatoes, and cabbage.
These crops, in combination with his papaya sales, are helping him build a profitable farming business. He estimates that his farming activities will generate over 600,000 FCFA (approximately $1,053 USD) per month.
This income, combined with his earnings from his career, places him in a solid financial position to continue expanding his agricultural venture.
Related Posts
While Stephen is already financially secure, his long-term ambition is to expand his farm significantly and turn it into a fully self-sustaining business.
One of his biggest challenges, however, is the distance between his current farm and the major markets in Bamako, where he can sell his crops at the best prices.
The land he owns is located far from the city, which makes transportation and access to buyers a challenge.
“I have the land in my village, but it’s just too far from Bamako, the main market for selling vegetables. The transportation costs are high, and it takes too long to get the produce to the buyers,” Stephen explained. “My goal is to acquire land closer to the city so I can reach the market faster and make my business more efficient.”
Another key factor in his plans for growth is water access. During the dry season, having a reliable water source is crucial for sustaining crops.
Stephen is determined to dig a modern well that can provide water year-round, ensuring that his crops don’t suffer during the harsher months.
Fortunately, Stephen’s stable job allows him to fund these investments without the need for loans or external financial assistance.
Unlike many young farmers who struggle to access credit, Stephen is fortunate enough to have the financial backing to invest directly into his farming business.
His success, therefore, does not rely on loans or grants, but rather on his ability to wisely invest his earnings into his passion for farming.
“Because I have a steady income from my job, I can take my time and invest in the things that matter most, like buying land closer to the market and digging a well for irrigation,” he explained. “I don’t need to rely on banks or loans.
I know it’s going to take time, but I have the resources and the patience to grow my farm.”
Stephen’s journey is a prime example of how young people, even with a full-time job, can still pursue their dreams and build successful agricultural businesses.
His story is not only about making a living through farming, but also about creating a future that is both sustainable and rewarding.
“The key to success in agriculture is not just hard work, but also continuous learning and adapting to new methods,” Stephen said. “I’m excited about the future.
The skills and knowledge I’ve gained are helping me grow my business, and I’m confident that with time, I’ll be able to expand and create a farm that supports my family and my community.”
Stephen’s story is a shining example of the potential that lies in agriculture for young people.
Through a combination of passion, practical knowledge, and determination, he is well on his way to creating a future where his love for farming will not only sustain him but also help transform his community. END
