The Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) has disbursed ₦18.6 billion to 136,902 farmers and agribusinesses in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 31% increase from the ₦ 14.2 billion disbursed during the same period in 2024.
The funding was distributed through the LAPO Agricultural and Rural Development Initiative (LARDI) and delivered across 341 branches in 22 states.
The initiative targets grassroots farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to boost food production and improve rural livelihoods.
According to Victor Noruwa, Executive Director of LAPO’s Microfinance Segment, the increased disbursement reflects the organisation’s dedication to improving access to credit in the agricultural sector.
“Our goal is to empower rural farmers and agripreneurs across Nigeria by giving them the financial tools to build sustainable agricultural ventures. We encourage all beneficiaries to deploy the funds productively,” he said.
LAPO noted that special focus was placed on supporting women-led households and youth-driven agribusinesses, in line with its core mission to fight poverty, promote gender equity, and strengthen national food systems.
In a related move, LAPO also disbursed ₦1 billion under its LAPO Household Poultry and Livestock Initiative (LAHPLI), benefiting more than 6,000 farmers involved in poultry, livestock, and fisheries.
This intervention aims to strengthen specific agricultural sub-sectors and increase household income in rural areas.
Tessa Anota, Vice President of Livelihood and Social Protection at LAPO, described the programme as a vital part of the organisation’s strategy to address long-standing barriers in the agricultural sector.
“LAHPLI has played a critical role in empowering smallholder farmers, especially in rural areas, by helping them expand operations, improve food production, and increase household incomes,” she said.
Anota also emphasised that the initiative goes beyond financial support.
“The programme is designed to deliver not just funding but also access to modern inputs, training, and extension support, creating a path toward more resilient and self-sustaining farming systems,” she added.
