Introduce yourself please

My name is Ruth Ede. I am the Founder and Business Lead at Scratop Nigeria Limited

Tell us more about Scratop Nigeria Limited

Scratop Nigeria Limited recovers bio-waste, such as food waste, fruit waste, and farm waste, to locally produce nutrient-rich biofertilizers. We focus on serving small and medium-scale food crop farmers, who constitute 75% of the nation’s farmers, with the aim of transiting them into safe, sustainable, and nutritious food crop production while contributing to sustainable waste management in Nigeria, which is the waste capital of Africa.

What are you currently doing around nutrition?

I am currently transiting food crop farmers to more sustainable and nutritious food crop production to curb the increased chemical-based food crop production in the country. This will enable food safety and adequate supply of required nutrients from food crops to us. I am also involved in bio-waste recovery and repurposing in traditional markets, to promote a more hygienic environment for the food business and reduce food contamination.

What inspired you to engage in business in Nutrition as youth?

My academic background in Agriculture and upbringing in a prominent food crop region, Ohaji in Imo State, Nigeria, instilled a direct connection to the issues arising from chemical-intensive food production. Infact, the term Ohaji is interpreted as Land of Yams in English. I can say, I was born into the food crop production sector. Recognizing the significance of soil health in deriving optimal nutrition from crops, I find inspiration in developing a local, sustainable solution within the nutrition business domain. My aim is twofold: to enhance the nutritional quality of food through improved cultivation methods and to ensure equitable returns for food crop farmers.

Are there any misconceptions about youths in business and what opportunities are there for the youth?

Misconceptions do persist concerning youth in business. One assumption is that our age correlates with insufficient experience and capability, detrimentally impacting business performance. Another stereotype is that youths tend to abandon their ventures during crises, causing hesitation in investment. Yet, these notions are increasingly debunked as numerous young entrepreneurs, myself included, defy such misconceptions, navigating the challenges inherent in launching and managing nutrition-focused, sustainable businesses.

Youth-focused business opportunities abound. Tailored training programs , accelerator initiatives, grants, and platforms like the Eatsafe challenge provide holistic support for nutrition-oriented enterprises. These avenues enable us to continuously demonstrate our competence, resilience, and determination despite the hurdles synonymous with forging a path in the nutrition industry.