Gabriella Harry Wants More Agriculture Resources for Africans by Africans.

Gabriella Harry, a graduate of culinary school, has always had a deep-rooted love for food. Her passion has evolved into a mission to combat food insecurity in Nigeria, starting with her own urban farm Seed Time Nigeria in Port Harcourt. In a conversation with The Food Journey, Harry discussed her journey from food enthusiast to farmer, sharing insights into her crop selection and the challenges and rewards of urban agriculture. 

Choosing the Right crops 

Harry cultivates cucumbers and sweet corn for commercial purposes. Her initial foray into cucumber farming stemmed from a conversation with her uncle, seeking beginner-friendly crops. Surprisingly, there was high demand for her cucumbers. Nando’s-style sweet  corn, on the other hand, was a personal favourite she struggled to find in stores. After successfully cultivating it and enjoying the produce, colleagues encouraged her to sell it. Her sweet corn caters to a more targeted audience, initially colleagues and select supermarkets, while cucumbers find their way to a wider range of markets. For personal use she grows pumpkin leaves (ugwu), water leaves, okra, curry leaves, and soursop.

Finding Her First Customers

Gabriella Harry’s journey to finding her first customers was unexpected. Initially unsure about the marketing strategy, she relied on word-of-mouth and a lucky break.

When asked about her first customers, Harry explained, "I was so uncertain about how to sell my produce. My staff suggested customers would come to me, but my harvest arrived earlier than anticipated. With no clear plan, I decided to take a chance and sell at Fruit Garden. To my surprise, my entire stock was sold out on the first day."

This experience contradicted the common notion that market access requires connections. Harry attributed her success to the unique circumstances in Rivers State, where a lack of urban farms created a demand for locally sourced produce. Her farm’s proximity to the market gave her a competitive advantage, eliminating the need for extensive market research or networking.

.

Navigating Seasons 

Gabriella Harry explained that while the rainy season is optimal for cucumber and sweet corn cultivation, with proper irrigation, farming can occur year-round. She emphasised the importance of planning and resource management for sustained production. 

“In general, you can sort of grow stuff at any time of the year in Nigeria… There has to be a structure in place. Creating a calendar for how you're going to grow your products for the year coupled with a good irrigation system, good water, good light and the quality of your seeds as well” 

Challenges and Solutions in Urban Farming 

Gabriella Harry outlined three key challenges facing urban farmers. First, she highlighted the lack of awareness and adoption of urban farming practices. Secondly, the high cost of seeds, exacerbated by economic pressures, and lastly, securing reliable irrigation systems. 

When discussing potential solutions, Harry emphasised the need for increased awareness about the viability of small-scale urban farms. She advocated for knowledge sharing platforms specific to the Nigerian context and practical demonstrations to dispel misconceptions. Access to affordable, high-quality seeds and improved irrigation infrastructure were also identified as crucial factors for the growth of urban agriculture. 

“I had to learn everything on the go, lots of trial and error because I didn't see a lot of farms like mine when I started”

Overcoming Barriers to Global Competition

When asked about the challenges facing Nigerian agriculture on a global scale, Gabriella Harry emphasised the importance of knowledge and access to capital. "While Nigerians possess strong farming skills, there's a clear gap in knowledge about food safety regulations and export procedures," she stated. "Many farmers are unaware of these requirements, hindering our ability to compete internationally."

Harry also highlighted the critical role of capital in agricultural development. "Access to funding is a major obstacle," she explained. "I've spoken with fellow farmers and financial professionals, and it's evident that many farmers don't know where to turn for capital. While there are funding options available, navigating the system can be complex." She suggested alternative forms of capital, saying, "Land leases or greenhouse leases can be invaluable for farmers, as acquiring land outright is a significant investment."

Gabriella Harry's journey underscores the complexities and potential of urban farming in Nigeria. As she continues to grow her farm and share knowledge, Harry is hopeful that she can demonstrate the potential of urban agriculture to transform communities. Her story is a call to action for policymakers, investors, and individuals to support initiatives that empower farmers and strengthen food systems.