Written by The Feeding the Next Billion Food Innovation Fellowship is a transformative 5-day residential programme designed to empower young Nigerian innovators in the area of food value addition. The initiative is organised by Farm Central Intelligence (FarmCI), supported by UNESCO and Nestlé through the “Because You Matter” Programme, with technical expertise from Soilless Farm Lab.
The fellowship addresses two pressing challenges in Nigeria: food waste and youth unemployment. It equips participants with practical skills to convert raw agricultural produce such as vegetables, spices, and peppers into high-value, market-ready products.
Programme Overview
During the intensive residential training in Ogun State, fellows will engage in hands-on sessions covering food processing, preservation, packaging, branding, and basic business management. The curriculum is structured to provide both technical knowledge and entrepreneurial insight, helping participants build sustainable food businesses that reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen national food security.
The programme also promotes innovation, sustainability, and value-chain development within Nigeria’s food ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be young Nigerians with a strong interest in food innovation, agro-processing, or value addition.
- They should demonstrate a genuine commitment to starting or growing a food-related enterprise, particularly in the processing of vegetables, spices, peppers, or similar agricultural products.
- Applicants must be available to participate fully in the 5-day residential training programme in Ogun State.
- They should show readiness to implement the skills acquired and contribute to reducing food waste while creating economic opportunities within their communities.
Programme Timeline
- The fellowship begins with the application and selection phase, where interested candidates submit their applications for review. Successful applicants are notified and onboarded with detailed information about the training.
- The core fellowship experience is a 5-day intensive residential programme hosted at Soilless Farm Lab in Ogun State. Following the training, participants enter the post-fellowship support phase, where they receive starter kits, mentorship, and business follow-up support to ensure successful implementation.
Benefits
- Selected fellows will receive fully sponsored participation in the 5-day residential training. Accommodation, meals, and training materials will be covered in full.
- Participants will also receive transportation support to and from the training venue in Ogun State.
- The programme provides hands-on training and mentorship from industry experts at FarmCI and Soilless Farm Lab. Each fellow will receive a personalised starter kit containing essential tools and materials needed to immediately begin their food value addition business upon returning to their community.
- In addition, fellows will gain networking opportunities with fellow innovators, industry professionals, and programme partners. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and benefit from post-programme mentorship and business development support to guide their growth journey.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official application form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeddyhd9iJ3d381pMpaSOyFm4B08WMqFQtHjXpxzrwFINXbwQ/viewform