To protect farmers livelihoods and increase resilience, Pullus Africa, in collaboration with Heifer International Nigeria and Leadway Assurance, held an insurance payout for poultry farmers benefiting from the Pullus Innovative Financing (PIF) program.
The event, which was held in Kaduna state, was a pivotal moment highlighting the transformative power of agricultural insurance, inclusive financing, and technology-driven solutions in the poultry sector.
Pullus Africa Chief Executive officer, Mrs. Opeoluwa Fayomi highlighted the evolution of the program, underscoring its ability to de-risk the poultry sector by combining essential elements input financing, comprehensive training, robust extension support, and insurance coverage.
She added that the program has trained over 23,000 farmers and financed 166 poultry farmers across Kaduna, Nasarawa, and parts of Abuja.
‘When we started, the vision was to create an integrated support system that addresses the real challenges poultry farmers face’, said Opeoluwa’.
Mrs. Opeoluwa said ₦76 million disbursed in financing to farmers, primarily for poultry feed. she added that Over 166 farmers supported, producing nearly 30,000 birds in the latest cycle.
‘While ₦4 million in insurance payouts distributed to 26 out of 28 eligible farmers, marking a 92% claim success rate. Significant improvements including a 27% increase in average bird weight, directly enhancing profitability for farmers.
‘Pullus Africa specializes in bundling resources such as training, financing, extension services, and market access to help poultry farmers significantly increase their profitability and productivity.
‘The insurance subscription made by Heifer on behalf of the farmers was initiated as a result of the positive outcomes of the Poultry Supply Chain De-risking Project (POSDERP), a collaboration between Pullus Africa and Heifer International.
She said POSDERP, initiated in 2024, aimed to address vulnerabilities faced by smallholder poultry farmers by mitigating risks associated with diseases, market fluctuations, and financial uncertainties.
Through this partnership, Pullus Africa trained approximately 30,000 farmers across Kaduna, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
She maintained that ‘Over 50 farmers, along with government officials, agricultural experts, financial institutions, and development organizations, attended the ceremony, marking a critical milestone in efforts to mitigate risks and ensure sustainability for smallholder poultry producers.
In her speech Mrs. Onyekachi Ayevbuomwan, Program Lead, Market Systems and Business Development of Heifer International Nigeria, emphasized the significance of partnerships in achieving these results. ‘Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty sustainably’, Onyekachi noted.
‘We see poultry farming as central to this mission, providing food security, employment, and economic empowerment, especially for women and youth’.
Also speaking lLeadway Assurance, represented by veterinary doctor and chartered insurer Dr. Ese, explained the role of insurance in protecting smallholder investments. Ese detailed how simplified processes, clear requirements like vaccination records, and basic biosecurity protocols, ensure rapid claim settlements, helping farmers manage risks more effectively.
‘Pullus farmers receive priority’, Dr. Ese assured attendees, noting Leadway’s proactive approach in handling claims swiftly, a significant departure from past perceptions around insurance.
In his remarks Dr. Zakariah Pantaki, Director of Veterinary Services at the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture, offered strong governmental endorsement, recognizing the program’s alignment with the state’s agricultural agenda.
He opined that, ‘Agriculture should not be a gamble’, Pantaki stressed.’This program turns farming into a guaranteed path to prosperity. It reflects the vision of Kaduna State’s government, under Governor Uba Sani, to support initiatives that empower farmers and transform agriculture into a resilient economic sector’.
Some beneficiaries shared compelling stories of personal and economic recovery made possible through the insurance payouts.
Pastor Bitrus Nasa recounted losing 90 birds in an uninsured cycle, nearly ending his poultry business. However, through the PIF scheme, he successfully restarted production and recently received insurance compensation.
‘This program has given me peace of mind. When I received the payout, I knew my story had changed. I can farm confidently now’, Nasa remarked, drawing applause from fellow farmers and stakeholders.
