NaFarm Foods, a pioneering agricultural solutions provider based in Kaduna, Nigeria, has been announced as the winner of the prestigious 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category. This award recognises the company’s groundbreaking innovation in reducing post-harvest losses, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Nigeria. This accolade not only celebrates NaFarm Foods’ remarkable contributions to the food sector but also highlights the transformative power of sustainable innovation.
NaFarm Foods flagship solution, the Hybrid Solar Food Dryer, addresses a critical challenge faced by smallholder farmers: post-harvest losses due to food spoilage.
Leveraging renewable energy, the dryer combines solar heat and electricity generated from solar panels, ensuring efficient, all-weather drying of food, even during rainy or cloudy days. This technology, with a capacity of 500kg per unit, retains the nutritional quality of food while minimising energy costs. To date, it has positively impacted over 80 communities across six Nigerian states, benefiting more than 65,000 farmers. By reducing post-harvest losses, the Hybrid Solar Food Dryer significantly enhances food security and fosters rural economic empowerment.
The Hybrid Solar Food Dryer is a game-changer for food preservation. Traditional methods of drying often involve open-air exposure, which leaves food vulnerable to contamination, spoilage, and nutritional loss. NaFarm Foods’ innovative technology mitigates these risks while addressing environmental concerns. By decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with decomposing food, the dryer is paving the way for a more sustainable future. Its affordability, with a whole-of-life cost of less than 1 cent per 100 litres, ensures accessibility for smallholder farmers and food processors, who are often the most vulnerable to food insecurity.
Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, commended NaFarm Foods for its impactful work, stating: “NaFarm Foods’ innovative approach to sustainable food preservation not only improves food security but also empowers rural communities, particularly women and youth, by creating income-generating opportunities. This aligns with the Prize’s mission to drive progress and improve livelihoods.” Her remarks underscore the broader social and economic impact of NaFarm Foods’ work, beyond just technological innovation.
Fatima Jimoh, CEO of NaFarm Foods, expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the award: “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as a winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. It signifies global recognition of our efforts to tackle food insecurity and promote equitable and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria and beyond. This opportunity inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, knowing that our work is not only transforming lives locally but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. For us, this is more than an achievement; it’s a call to action to drive greater impact.”
NaFarm Foods’ ambition extends far beyond its current achievements. By 2030, the company aims to empower two million farmers, reduce carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tonnes annually, and significantly contribute to the global fight against climate change. The US $1 million Prize fund will be instrumental in scaling up these efforts. With these resources, NaFarm Foods plans to manufacture and distribute 100,000 Hybrid Solar Food Dryers across Nigeria and West Africa, ensuring widespread adoption of this sustainable technology. Furthermore, the company intends to expand its training programmes, empowering an additional 25,000 women and youth with skills to foster entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.
One of the key pillars of NaFarm Foods’ vision is enhancing the accessibility and marketability of agricultural produce. To achieve this, the company plans to establish distribution hubs strategically located across rural and urban areas. These hubs will serve as critical points for farmers to access the dryers and other resources, ensuring the timely preservation of their harvests. Additionally, NaFarm Foods is investing in advanced cluster mapping systems to streamline operations and improve the efficiency of its supply chain.
The recognition of NaFarm Foods by the Zayed Sustainability Prize underscores the importance of addressing global food security challenges through innovation. The Prize, established in 2008, is a tribute to the visionary legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Over the years, it has become a beacon of hope and progress, honouring and empowering those who drive transformative change across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
Through its 128 winners over the past 17 years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has positively impacted 407 million lives worldwide. By recognising groundbreaking solutions and fostering innovation, the Prize inspires countless others to amplify their efforts, creating a positive ripple effect. NaFarm Foods’ success story is a testament to the transformative potential of this platform, showcasing how sustainable innovation can address pressing global challenges.
The social impact of NaFarm Foods’ work is particularly noteworthy. In many rural Nigerian communities, women and youth are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and economic marginalisation. The company’s initiatives provide these groups with tools and training to build sustainable livelihoods. By creating income-generating opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship, NaFarm Foods empowers individuals and strengthens community resilience. The Hybrid Solar Food Dryer, for instance, not only reduces food spoilage but also enables farmers to add value to their produce, increasing their earning potential.
In addition to its direct benefits, the work of NaFarm Foods serves as a model for other organisations and governments aiming to tackle similar challenges. Its focus on sustainability, community empowerment, and economic viability offers valuable lessons for addressing food security on a global scale. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of renewable energy and innovative technology, NaFarm Foods inspires stakeholders across sectors to invest in solutions that drive both social and environmental impact.
The environmental implications of NaFarm Foods’ work are equally significant. Agriculture is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and post-harvest losses exacerbate this issue by wasting resources used during production. The Hybrid Solar Food Dryer addresses this challenge by reducing food spoilage and minimising the carbon footprint of agricultural activities. As the company scales its operations, its potential to contribute to global climate action becomes increasingly evident.
Looking ahead, NaFarm Foods is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. By aligning its goals with international frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the company is making meaningful contributions to global efforts to end hunger, promote sustainable agriculture, and combat climate change. Its work exemplifies the power of collaboration between innovators, policymakers, and communities to drive transformative change.
The recognition of NaFarm Foods by the Zayed Sustainability Prize is a milestone not just for the company but also for the broader field of sustainable development. It highlights the critical role of innovation in addressing complex global challenges and underscores the importance of supporting initiatives that empower communities and promote environmental stewardship. As NaFarm Foods continues to expand its impact, its story will undoubtedly inspire others to join the collective effort to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
