NaFarm Foods wins Zayed Sustainability Prize

NaFarm Foods, an innovative agricultural solutions provider based in Kaduna, Nigeria, has been awarded the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category

This prestigious award recognises the company’s exceptional efforts in combating post-harvest losses, improving food security, and advancing sustainable farming practices throughout Nigeria.

NaFarm Foods’ flagship innovation, the Hybrid Solar Food Dryer, addresses the critical issue of food spoilage by harnessing both solar heat and electricity generated from solar panels to ensure efficient drying, even in challenging weather conditions such as rain or clouds. With a drying capacity of 500kg per unit, the dryer retains the nutritional quality of food while minimising energy costs. The technology has already benefitted over 80 communities across six Nigerian states, significantly reducing post-harvest losses for more than 65,000 farmers and contributing to food security and rural economic empowerment.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised NaFarm Foods for its impactful solution, commented, “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.”

Fatima Jimoh, CEO of NaFarm Foods, expressed, “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.”

The Hybrid Solar Food Dryer offers a solution to food preservation challenges by reducing spoilage rates, cutting greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food, and lowering dependence on fossil fuels. With a whole-of-life cost of less than 1 cent per 100 litres, the dryers are affordable and viable for smallholder farmers and food processors. By 2030, NaFarm Foods aims to empower two million farmers and cut carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tonnes annually.

The US$1mn prize will enable NaFarm Foods to scale operations, producing and distributing 100,000 dryers across Nigeria and West Africa. The company also plans to expand training programmes to empower 25,000 women and youth, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable economic growth. NaFarm Foods intends to establish distribution hubs and implement advanced cluster mapping systems to ensure broader access to its technology and enhance the marketability of agricultural produce.