The BATN Foundation (BATNF) has been awarded the prestigious “Best Sustainability in Agriculture & Food Security Award of Excellence” at the 2026 West Africa Innovation Awards. This honor underscores the Foundation’s unwavering dedication to revolutionizing agriculture and enhancing rural livelihoods across Nigeria.
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Now in its 15th edition, the West Africa Innovation Awards celebrate organizations that set new benchmarks in innovation, professionalism, and impact within key sectors across the region. For BATNF, this recognition reflects over two decades of consistent investment in building resilient agricultural systems, empowering rural communities, and unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape.
Since its inception, the Foundation has adopted a long-term, systems-oriented approach to agricultural development, moving beyond short-term fixes to create sustainable ecosystems that boost productivity, strengthen enterprise growth, and foster community resilience. Through its various programs, BATNF has directly and indirectly impacted more than 1.7 million value chain actors, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and support systems needed to improve yields, access markets, and participate more effectively in agricultural value chains. This has helped transform agriculture from a subsistence activity into a viable and scalable enterprise capable of driving inclusive economic growth and enhancing national food security.
Focus on Youth and Partnerships
A key element of BATNF’s work is its deliberate emphasis on youth engagement, recognizing that the future of agriculture depends on a new generation of skilled and motivated agripreneurs. Initiatives like Farmers for the Future (F4F), implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have been instrumental in reshaping perceptions of agriculture among young Nigerians. The program offers hands-on training, mentorship, and enterprise support, creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods and positioning agriculture as a dynamic sector with significant economic opportunities.
In his acceptance speech, Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, stated: “This award is a strong validation of our journey and the impact we have been privileged to make in the lives of farmers and rural communities across Nigeria. At BATN Foundation, we believe agriculture holds the key to economic empowerment and food security, and we remain committed to driving sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions that unlock this potential. More importantly, this recognition challenges us to deepen our impact, expand our partnerships, and continue shaping a future where agriculture works for everyone.”
Central to BATNF’s success is its collaborative approach, bringing together government institutions, development partners, private sector players, and local communities to co-create and implement scalable and sustainable solutions. By strengthening agricultural value chains, improving market access, and supporting enterprise development, the Foundation continues to play a catalytic role in advancing food security, reducing rural poverty, and fostering economic resilience.
As Nigeria and the wider West African region face evolving challenges related to food systems, climate resilience, and youth unemployment, BATNF’s work serves as a compelling example of what can be achieved when innovation, consistency, and partnership are aligned. With this latest recognition, the Foundation is well-positioned to expand its interventions, further focusing on sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment, and long-term rural development, while continuing to establish agriculture as a cornerstone of inclusive economic transformation.
