By Babalola Gafar
At first, Boluwatife’s farming was purely for personal consumption. She financed it with her own money, growing vegetables to support her health. However, as she continued, she realized the benefits of having access to fresh produce.
What started as a small backyard garden soon sparked a bigger dream—one that went beyond personal health to creating a sustainable farming business.
Despite her determination, expanding her farm was not an easy task. Like many women in agriculture, Boluwatife faced significant financial challenges. Traditional lenders and investors were hesitant to support female farmers, making it difficult for her to access funds to grow her business. “It’s really hard to get financial help in farming if you’re a woman. People often don’t take us seriously,” she said.
The turning point in her journey came when she discovered the HortiNigeria program, an initiative aimed at supporting horticulture farmers in Nigeria. Through the program, she received a letter of recommendation that validated her dedication and seriousness as a farmer. This endorsement became a game changer for her business.
With the backing of HortiNigeria, Boluwatife was able to secure an investment of 500,000 naira ($379.00 USD). This financial boost allowed her to make a crucial upgrade to her farm—installing an irrigation system. Previously, she and her workers had to rely on rainfall or fetch water from distant sources, a time-consuming and unreliable method.
The new irrigation system brought significant improvements to her farm. Now, she could cultivate crops all year round, ensuring a steady supply of produce to the market. This not only increased her income but also provided consistent employment opportunities for her workers. Farming became more efficient, sustainable, and profitable.
The impact of these changes extended beyond just business success. With a stable source of income and access to healthier food, Boluwatife’s health improved. Her experience highlighted the importance of investing in small-scale farmers and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed.
Boluwatife’s farm, Tyragrow Farms, has since gained recognition for its contributions to the agricultural sector. By focusing on sustainable farming practices and inclusivity, she has set an example for other aspiring female farmers. Her dedication to innovation and resilience has turned what was once a backyard garden into a thriving agribusiness.
Recognizing her achievements, HortiNigeria presented Boluwatife Maybee with an Award of Recognition for her brand, Tyragrow Farms. The award acknowledges her contributions to the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture subsector in Nigeria. The honor was officially bestowed upon her on March 24, 2025.
Speaking on the recognition, Boluwatife expressed gratitude for the support she received and emphasized the need for more programs like HortiNigeria to help small farmers, particularly women, gain access to funding and resources. “This award is not just for me but for every woman in agriculture who struggles to be seen and heard,” she said.
