25/07/2026
HEADACHES OF A FARMER – EPISODE 2
From our inbox
I've Been Looking for Farm Finance... But Nobody Wants to Believe in My Dream.
My name is Madam Rita (not real name), I am from Enugu State, and I run a rice farm and a small poultry farm, for years, I have managed both farms with the little income they generate. Every season, I tell myself, 'This will be the year I expand.' But somehow, that dream keeps getting pushed to another year because I simply don't have the money.*
My rice farm has more land that I can cultivate if I can afford improved seeds, fertiliser and labour. My poultry farm also has space for more birds, but I don't have enough capital to buy additional chicks, feed or equipment. Sometimes, I look at the empty pens and wonder how much more income they could be bringing in if only I had the resources.
People keep saying there are grants everywhere for farmers. Honestly, I have lost count of how many I have applied for. I have filled online forms, submitted documents, attended trainings and webinars because they said it would improve my chances. Some never replied, some shortlisted me but I was never selected, while others simply went silent after the application.
I also approached two commercial banks and a microfinance bank. They asked for collateral, financial records and other requirements that I couldn't fully provide. Months later, I am still waiting for positive feedback.
Sometimes, I feel discouraged. Not because I don't know how to farm, but because I don't have the money to grow. I know my farms can do much better, but without access to finance, I feel stuck.
Is there something I am doing wrong? How are other farmers getting the money to expand their farms?
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
Can you relate to Madam Rita's experience? Have you also struggled to access grants or farm loans? What has worked for you, or what advice would you give another farmer facing this challenge?
Share your experience, recommendations or solutions in the comments then check the FIRST COMMENT for our agricultural expert's practical response and proven strategies that can help farmers improve their chances of accessing finance.
