In June, I was in Nigeria to see how WISHH and U.S. farmers are investing for the growth of Nigeria’s economy and food security. We believe that it will translate to growth of a stronger trade market for U.S. soy. These things happen simultaneously.
Youth are the next wave of potential customers for the soy that we grow. I appreciated meeting with the fourth class of the Nigerian aquaculture interns as well as meeting with some alumni of the program and employers. One graduate told me the internship helped her be competitive to secure a job at Karma Feeds. In this professional role, she now advises fish farmers about soy utilization and feed formulation.
Skretting is a global feed company with manufacturing in Nigeria. A leader from Skretting Nigeria told us how much they valued this internship program. She said the success of Skretting’s business and other businesses in Nigeria depend on trained youth. Her exact words were, “We alone cannot do it, and that creates a win for farmers in the United States and Nigeria.”
We have received this kind of feedback on our internship program in Ghana. WISHH technical advisors have worked with that farm as well.
I’m excited that WISHH has now launched The East Africa Training Program for Young Professionals. It is based in Kenya.
You see we believe in strengthening local agricultural systems, not competing with them. WISHH partners with developing industries to build a strong foundation for soy demand. As these local industries grow, their need for soy expands far beyond what local production can immediately supply. Our role is to bridge that gap with trade that ensures local businesses have the consistent supply they need to scale up today, which ultimately paves the way for a more robust, prosperous market for all.