The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) is Nigeria’s largest and foremost agricultural financial institution. Established in 1972 and becoming fully operational in 1973, BOA has the mandate to provide agricultural credit facilities and other micro credit facilities to support agricultural value chain in Nigeria, especially among rural farmers. Since inception, the institution has recorded numerous landmarks in this direction through the provision of saving facilities to farmers at individual as well as at corporate (i.e., cooperative and group) levels. Another major way is by providing credit facilities to farmers, women, youths etc., through cooperatives and groups.

LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIP TO EMPOWER PEOPLE

BOA’s major strong point is an ability to reach the people through strategic partnership with reputable organizations in both the public and the private sectors. Over the years, DPat Foundation (NGO) has proven to be one of the reputable organization enjoying such strategic partnership with BOA. Several rural farmers in the past have been reached and given access to agricultural credit facilities by BOA  through DPat’s Cooperatives Union as a result of DPat Foundation’s credibility as a long standing partner.

BRIDGING COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS CREATION GAPS

Over the years DPat Foundation has bridged the gaps between rural dwellers and government agencies and financial institutions like the Bank of Agriculture. Majority of the rural farmers are unaware of the existence, goals and activities of government institutions like the BOA. Through the consistent efforts of DPat Foundation however, several rural farmers in many parts of the FCT have gained such awareness and subsequently benefited from such programmes.


It was in keeping with this continuous efforts that DPat Foundation once again ensured that members of its various cooperatives who are yet to open account with the BOA, especially the new member, get to open individual savings accounts with the bank. This will help them meet up with the criteria for accessing agricultural credit facilities. Officials and staff of the bank were on ground to help open individual savings accounts for the cooperative members. The account opening exercise took place at DPat Foundation’s secretariat premises and also at various other community locations in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT in the month of February, 2025.


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