Smallholder farmers, those with often less than 2 hectares, dominate food production in developing countries. Farms under 5 ha in Asia, Africa and Latin America account for over half of global output of staples like maize, rice, millet and wheat. Small farms also tend to use more labor and devote most land to food crops, making them highly productive per hectare. As Zero Carbon Analytics summarizes: “Farms of less than five hectares in developing countries account for more than half of global production of nine staple crops” including maize, rice and sorghum. Embedding these farmers in modern value chains is therefore critical for food security and rural incomes.

Small farmers and small processors lose a large share of potential income because of familiar, fixable problems: poor roads and transport, lack of storage, information gaps, weak bargaining power, and costly buyer requirements. Breaking Barriers pulls together proven, on-the-ground examples and practical steps that real producer groups and companies have used to change that — from Ghana’s cooperatives that co-own brands, to India’s village kiosks, Kenya’s aggregation networks, solar cold rooms in Nigeria, and franchise-style agribusiness and insurance models in Africa and Latin America.

The global chia seed market is experiencing unprecedented demand, and smart international buyers are discovering Nigeria's untapped potential through Deko Group's innovative outgrowing partnership. This comprehensive program offers a risk-free 100-hectare trial phase using your specific seed varieties, followed by large-scale production of up to 10,000 hectares with complete transparency and quality control.

Founded in 2018 by Mr. Eseosa OBADIARU and Mr. Kosona CHRIV, Deko Group is dedicated to propelling Africa’s economic development through the creation of premium, value-added agrifood products.