Rahmah Aderinoye, the co-founder and CEO of Rashak Farms, is leading a remarkable transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. In an exclusive interview with Business Insider Africa, Rahmah shared her journey from witnessing the struggles of local farmers to building one of Nigeria’s most impactful agro-allied businesses. Her leadership is driven by a deep commitment to making farming more equitable and sustainable.
Growing up in Nigeria, Rahmah saw the daily hardships faced by small farmers in her community. “I watched farmers work tirelessly under the sun, only to have their hard-earned produce undervalued by middlemen,” she recalls. This unfair system left a strong impression on her and sparked a desire to create a fairer model for these farmers.
Her passion for agriculture deepened during her work with the United Nations, where she saw the global challenges small-scale farmers face. Inspired by the principles of altruism, Rahmah co-founded Rashak Farms with a mission to empower farmers, reduce food costs, and positively impact her community and beyond.
Rahmah’s vision for Rashak Farms was shaped by her experience as a Resolution Project Fellow in 2013. Representing Nigeria, she developed a project focused on addressing the rising cost of food, a pressing issue she was determined to tackle. “Being recognized as the best project among all participating countries was a turning point,” she shares. “It validated my concerns and gave me the confidence to act.” This experience laid the foundation for Rashak Farms, a company built on the belief in the transformative power of agriculture and social entrepreneurship.
Under Rahmah’s leadership, Rashak Farms has grown into a beacon of hope for over 12,000 farmers, merchants, and women processors across Nigeria. The company’s programs, such as the Outgrowers Scheme and Women Miller Scheme, support every part of the agricultural value chain. “We provide inputs, training, market access, and even healthcare services,” Rahmah explains. “Our goal is to make farming a profitable and sustainable venture for everyone involved.”
Rashak Farms’ holistic approach aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including eradicating poverty and hunger while promoting gender equality. Rahmah is particularly proud of the impact her company has on these areas. “We believe in giving everyone a chance at a life free from hunger and poverty,” she states. “Our efforts contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), among others.”
A key aspect of Rashak Farms’ operations is its commitment to ethical financing, which is rooted in Islamic loan principles that guarantee zero interest for farmers. Rahmah emphasizes that this model is about more than just avoiding exploitation. “It’s about creating a fair and equitable partnership,” she says. “By not charging interest, we build trust and foster long-term relationships with our farmers.” This approach has allowed farmers to invest more in their operations without the burden of high-interest loans, enhancing their livelihoods and strengthening the company’s reputation.
Despite Rashak Farms’ success, the journey has not been without challenges. Rahmah candidly acknowledges the difficulties, many of which are beyond their control, such as changing government policies and security concerns. “Our biggest challenges often come from external factors,” she admits. “Insecurity is a significant issue, as farmers fear for their safety, and we’ve faced tragic incidents, like losing a staff member to bandits.”
Climate change also poses a considerable challenge. “While Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, we suffer disproportionately from its effects,” Rahmah notes. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to press on, focusing on what the company can control and calling for international partnerships to expand their impact.
Looking ahead, Rahmah has ambitious plans for Rashak Farms. She aims to increase the number of farmers the company supports from 12,000 to 50,000 within the next year. “We are looking for like-minded investors and partners to help us scale our impact,” she says. “Our track record and innovative approach make us an attractive opportunity for those interested in social impact and sustainable agriculture.”
Through her visionary leadership and commitment to ethical practices, Rahmah Aderinoye is not only transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape but also setting an example for how businesses can drive social change. Rashak Farms continues to grow, proving that with the right support and innovative thinking, farming in Nigeria can be both profitable and sustainable.
