If you’re a young Nigerian who’s passionate about agriculture—especially the growing field of sustainable and organic farming—here’s some good news.
There’s an exciting opportunity that could help you transform your interest into a solid, impactful career.
It’s called the ECOWAS Strategy on Youth Employability Project (ECOWAS-YEP), and it’s being carried out in Nigeria by the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN).
Whether you’re already into farming or just eager to learn the ropes, this program could be your gateway into a future in Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral Heuristics (ASPH)—a sector that combines agriculture, forestry, and livestock in an environmentally-friendly way.
What’s the Big Idea Behind ECOWAS-YEP?
The goal of this project is simple but powerful: it aims to create jobs for young Nigerians by reshaping the country’s agri-food systems through youth-led innovation and training.
By tapping into the energy and talent of Nigeria’s youth, ECOWAS-YEP hopes to spark long-term growth, reduce unemployment, and offer real alternatives to irregular migration.
In other words, this is not just about farming—it’s about building a better future for yourself and your community through sustainable food systems.
What You’ll Learn: Course Modules and Locations
There are four main training modules, each designed to give you practical knowledge and hands-on skills.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Module 1: Core Training for Everyone
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Location: Online
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Duration: 1 month
What you’ll learn:
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Basics of Organic Agriculture (with certification)
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How to write and grow a business plan
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Starting and managing cooperatives
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Financial record keeping for your farm or agribusiness
This module is compulsory for all selected participants, and it lays the foundation for the rest of the training.
Module 2: Input Production Skills in Ibadan
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Location: Ibadan
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Duration: 2 months
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Mode: 2 weeks on-site + 6 weeks online
What you’ll learn:
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How to make compost from natural waste
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Creating organic pesticides to protect crops
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Mixing liquid fertilizers that enrich soil sustainably
This is a great fit if you’re interested in the technical side of farming inputs and want to start producing eco-friendly products.
Module 3: Vegetable, Vine, and Yam Set Production in Abia State
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Location: Umudike, Abia State
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Duration: 5 months
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Mode: 8 weeks on-site + 12 weeks online
What you’ll learn:
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How to grow potato vines effectively
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Full training on producing a variety of vegetables
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Techniques for preparing and cultivating yam sets
Ideal for those looking to specialize in crop production with a focus on food security and local consumption.
Module 4: Sesame and Ginger Value Chain in Zaria
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Location: Zaria
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Duration: 6 months
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Mode: 8 weeks on-site + 16 weeks online
What you’ll learn:
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Best practices for sesame farming
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Techniques to produce and add value to ginger
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How to tap into export markets for both crops
This module is for those aiming to be part of the high-value cash crop industry in Nigeria and beyond.
Who Can Apply?
This program is open to Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35 years.
You don’t need to have previous farming experience—just a strong interest in agriculture, especially in organic and sustainable practices.
Women and individuals from marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
🗓️Deadline: August 16, 2025
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, don’t wait till the last minute.
Click here to apply now and take the first step toward building a career in agriculture that truly matters.