2. The City Farmers Scheme
The Scheme is designed to provide a pla orm for farmers and investors to
harness the huge poten als in the agricultural sector through coopera on. Our
goal is to help you maximize the gains, achieve significant capital apprecia on,
while improving the socio-economic status of our community.
BusinessDevelopment
The scheme provides a unique opportunity for individual
business development by members, and also ensuring they
own stakes in the business development exploits of the
coopera ve. The business development model ensures
funding, as well as reduced business related cost to
members.
EmploymentGenera on
With the inclusive nature of the scheme, members are
guaranteed of con nued business sustainability and
possible expansions, thereby improving employment
capability of individual member’s business. The coopera ve
businesses also provides ample employment opportuni es
for the basic unskilled farm and factory worker to high
poweredexecu ves.
FoodProduc on
We ensure that farmers are provided with quality inputs,
and observe best farming prac ses that will guarantee
healthy, hygienic food produc on. We not only care for our
farmers return on investment, but also do care for the
qualityoffoodsproducedforpublicconsump on.
WealthCrea on
Our framework is designed to enable members implement
the principles of wealth crea on. Providing a savings,
investment and business opportunity all on one pla orm
ensures that our members can build up their funds,
facilitate their enterprise and receive premium returns on
investments. Contribu ng into a common purse ul mately
guarantees access to the common wealth by members on
thescheme.
Na onalDevelopment
Contribu ng to the socio-economic development of our
community and na on is very key on our agenda. Improving
the quality of life in the community we are domiciled in
through employment genera on and infrastructural
development, as well as contribu ng significantly to the
growth indices of our country. We surely believe in giving
backtoourcommunity.
AboutTheScheme
City Farmers Scheme is an agricultural
empowerment ini a ve hinged on the Coopera ve
structure to facilitate business development in
agriculture by providing necessary logis cs and
infrastructure with the aim of crea ng employment,
food produc on, and enhancing the socio-economic
developmentofindividualsandthecommunity.
The focus of the scheme is not only to provide
opportuni es for members to engage and invest in
farming ac vi es, but to ensure that the en re value
chain of any agricultural commodity our members
are engaged in is harnessed to guarantee premium
returnsontheirinvestment.
Member-basedOwnershipEnterprise
The Coopera ve framework on the scheme provides
members who are primary users of the services and
facili es of the enterprise to also have ownership
stake in the enterprise. Through the principles of
savings and investments that coopera ves provides,
members can build up their funds providing capital
for the business enterprise, with the assurance of
maximizing their gains from the various business
prospectsoftheenterprisesonthescheme.
NETPLAT Nigeria
RC 783509
City
Farmers Scheme
The Coopera ve Unique
Advantage
3
3. Harnessing the
Food Value Chain
One key focus of this scheme is to tap into the value chain of every agricultural
prac se on the scheme for the purpose of maximizing gains for members and
other stakeholders.
As value chains become more
inclusive, smallholder farmers can
access markets that would have
previously been denied to them.
- Michael Hailu
Director of the CTA, 2012
”
“
AgribusinessValueChain
The scheme focuses on harnessing the agricultural value
chain for the benefits of farmers’ use, as well as
maximizingreturnsforallmembersonthescheme.
Inputs
Sourcing for quality and cost friendly
inputsforfarmers.
Processing
Ensuring that value is added to
farmingproduceonthisscheme.
Marke ng
Crea ng marke ng ou its/outlets for
salesdirectlytoend-users.
Farm
Provision of land, infrastructure and
machineriesforproduc on.
Distribu on
Facilita ng a good distribu on
networkforfarmproduce.
Consumer
Building a strong and loyal customer
baseonthescheme.
One Contributory Pool, Diversified Investment
Por olio
Members regardless of their membership status or
farming engagement on the scheme will undertake a
single contributory plan on the scheme, but will derive
returns from the proceeds made from all business
enterprises established along the value chain on the
scheme.
The Coopera ve in a bid to take advantage of the
benefits of the agricultural value chain, will establish
businesses along the value chain. Employment
opportuni esarealsocreatedalongthevaluechain.The
coopera ve will also determine quality in standards and
prac ses of produc on from inputs to rendering
excellentservices/productstoconsumers.
Members on the scheme definitely will benefit from the
overall business opera ons on the coopera ve, pu ng
them in a posi on to access the commonwealth that will
be generated from the coopera ve businesses because
theycontributedtoacommonpurse.
4
4. A choice of
Agricultural Products
We have carefully chosen the agricultural products that will be cul vated on
this scheme based on our exper se, partnerships and more importantly market
opportuni es. However, other agricultural products will be exploited as the
scheme grows.
5
For Crop Farming on the scheme, we have
carefullyselected3crops:
Soybeans
Maize
Vegetables
The crops selected for farming, par cularly soybeans
and maize are essen al ingredients on the scale of food
for animal husbandry. This implies that farmers
producing these crops have a ready market on the
scheme. However, other forms of processing will be
employed for these crops to adequately take care of
consumerneeds.
The vegetables on the other hand will comprise of
various types ranging from tomatoes, to pepper, to
cucumber. For the tomato produc on in par cular, the
green house technology will be employed for
produc on to meet the required quality and standard
forthemarketsegmentwewanttoplayin.
Crop Farming
However, the 3 areas of agricultural ac vi es
forAnimalHusbandryare:
Fisheries
Poultry
Piggery
Animals to be cul vated on this scheme is not only in
high demand for consump on locally but are also
processed into other forms for human consump on,
animal feeds, as well as organic fer lizers from wastes
generated.
Providing infrastructure to facilitate ease of produc on
by farmers engaged in animal husbandry is top priority.
One key focus for produc on in this aspect of farming is
to add value to these products and ul mately reach the
end-usersandconsumersdirectly.
·
Animal Husbandry
Farmer Members will be required to make a choice of three
agricultural products they would be interested in cul va ng
ontheschemeinorderofmostpreferred.
Howbeit, in the long run, the Farmer Member will be
encouraged to focus and expand on one or two products on
the scheme which will form the core area of
produc on/businessoftheFarmerMember.
Farmer Members before commencement of their business
ac vity(ies)ontheschemewillberequiredtoprovide:
A mini-business plan for the business venture for the
agriculturalproduct(s)theychoosetoengagein
Fundingfortheirbusinessventureonthescheme
Managementfortheirbusinessventure.
Due to the individual nature of produc on by Farmer
Members, the Management Team will consult and advise
Farmers based on their product choice(s) and business
forecastwherenecessary.
5. Central to the scheme is the
Cooperative Framework
The Coopera ve model is the pivot for opera ons, funding and sustainability of
the scheme. It provides for shareholding, savings, investment and access to
funding for members on the scheme. Coopera ve Membership is a prerequisite
for par cipa on on the scheme.
6
TheImportanceoftheCoopera ve
Theschemewillberunonthecoopera vemodeltoprovide
an inclusive pla orm for every member on the scheme. Any
member interested in par cipa ng in the scheme must be a
duly registered member of the coopera ve. This is a
compulsorypre-requisiteforpar cipa ononthescheme.
The governing bye laws of coopera ve society as set out by
the state in which the coopera ve is resident shall be
adapted in opera ons. The coopera ve will also make laws
from meto meinpursuanceofitsgoalsandobjec ves.
FundingforMember’sBusinessOpera ons
Farmer Members can build up their funds in the
coopera ve. Building up funds in the coopera ve provides
the farmer member an advantage as such funds can as well
be used as business capital for the farmer’s business
opera ons. On the other hand, farmer members can access
credit facility on the coopera ve for business purposes on
thescheme.
It is important to note that credit facility on this scheme is
commodity based and tailored towards the business
ventureofthefarmermemberonthescheme.
CapitalApprecia onthroughInvestmentReturn
The coopera ve scheme provides for members (Investors
and Farmers alike) a pla orm to save, investment and
increase their funds. The pool of fund by members in the
coopera ve ensures members are key stakeholders in the
coopera vebusinessesestablishedalongthevaluechain.
While Farmer members access the services provided by the
businesses to promote their own businesses, every
member receives dividends from the surplus made by the
coopera ve businesses based on their financial
contribu oninthecoopera ve.
Coopera veMembershipFinancialCommitment
Members shall contribute to the coopera ve pool through
Shares, Monthly Savings, and/or Investment Contribu on.
These funds belong to the member and will be accessible to
the member whenever such seizes to be a member of the
coopera ve.
Shares
Savings
Investment
*Each member will be provided a copy of the bye law upon registra on.
A co-opera ve is an autonomous
associa on of persons united voluntarily
to meet their common economic, social,
and cultural needs and aspira ons
through a jointly-owned and
democra cally-controlled enterprise.
www.ica.coop
”
“
6. Getting acquainted with the
Cooperative Principles
Dra ed by the Interna onal Coopera ve Alliance, the coopera ve principles
are guidelines by which coopera ves put their values into prac ce.
Coopera ves are voluntary organiza ons, open to all
persons able to use their services and willing to accept
the responsibili es of membership, without gender,
social,racial,poli calorreligiousdiscrimina on.
Coopera ves provide educa on and training for their
members, elected representa ves, managers and
employees so they can contribute effec vely to the
development of their coopera ves. They inform the
general public — par cularly young people and opinion
leaders — about the nature and benefits of
coopera on.
Coopera ves serve their members most effec vely
and strengthen the coopera ve movement by working
together through local, na onal, regional and
interna onalstructures.
While focusing on member needs, coopera ves
work for the sustainable development of their
communi es through policies accepted by their
members.
Coopera ves are democra c organiza ons controlled
by their members, who ac vely par cipate in se ng
their policies and making decisions. Men and women
serving as elected representa ves are accountable to
the membership. In primary coopera ves, members
have equal vo ng rights (one member, one vote) and
coopera ves at other levels are organized in a
democra cmanner.
Members contribute equitably to, and democra cally
control, the capital of their coopera ve. At least part of
that capital is usually the common property of the
coopera ve. They usually receive limited
compensa on, if any, on capital subscribed as a
condi on of membership. Members allocate surpluses
for any or all of the following purposes: developing the
coopera ve, possibly by se ng up reserves, part of
whichatleastwouldbeindivisible;benefi ngmembers
in propor on to their transac ons with the
coopera ve; and suppor ng other ac vi es approved
bythemembership.
Coopera ves are autonomous, self-help organiza ons
controlled by their members. If they enter into
agreements with other organiza ons, including
governments, or raise capital from external sources,
they do so on terms that ensure democra c control by
their members and maintain their coopera ve
autonomy.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Democra c Member Control
Member Economic Par cipa on
Autonomy and Independence
Educa on, Training and Informa on
Coopera on among Coopera ves
Concern for Community
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7. A choice of Membership Plans
to suit your needs
Our membership plans are designed to provide for those who will be prac cally
involved in agriculture, as well as those who want to invest in the business of
agriculture.
The FarmerMembership is designedfor members
who will be ac vely involved and responsible for
their farming business ac vi es, while also
commi ng financially to the coopera ve and his
farmingbusinessrespec vely.
TheFarmerMemberwillberequiredto:
Payshares
Makemonthlysavings
A endmonthlymee ngs
Prepareabusinessplan
Fundandmanagehisfarmingac vity
WithaFarmerMembershipplan,amembercanengage
in his farming business leveraging on the services
rendered by the Coopera ve businesses. He can also
access funding for his business from the coopera ve in
tune to the total amount of shares and savings he has
contributedtothepool.
We advise that the Farmer member pays in or builds up
his business capital in the coopera ve to safeguard any
form of cash crunch in the course of running the
business, since the coopera ve will provide for
infrastructure and every factor of produc on, other
thanmanagementofthefarmer’sbusiness.
The Investor Membership on the other hand
allows the member to commit financial resources
to the coopera ve without being ac vely
involvedinthefarmingac vi es.
TheInvestorMemberwill:
Payshares
Makeinvestmentcontribu onsonmonthly,
quarterly,orannualbasis
A endquarterlymee ngs
The Investor Member, apart from par cipa ng on the
scheme for financial returns, also provides funding to
meet social needs such as job crea on, employment
genera on,andmoreimportantlyfoodproduc on.
Investor MembershipFarmer Membership
If you have any ques ons or you would like to sign up for a
MembershipPlan,pleasecontact:
OurManagementTeamon07067224010
Emailusoncityfarmersscheme@gmail.com
Alterna velycompletetheMembershipapplica on
formenclosedwiththisbrochureandreturnittous.
Our Membership plans offer complete flexibility for
members which means that you can choose to move from
one Membership plan to another. There will be no fee
charges for changing plans. However, this must be
discussedwiththemanagementofthescheme.
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8. Additional Membership benefits
on the Scheme
Membership on the scheme offers addi onal benefits of a home ownership and
health insurance schemes respec vely for members.
Health Insurance Scheme
Access to health insurance is provided for registered
members on this scheme. Though members are advised to
subscribe but it is not mandatory. The Health Insurance
Scheme is introduced as an addi onal benefit to members
to ensure that members have access to quality and prompt
health care through a registered Health Management
Organisa on (HMO) which the Health Coopera ve will be
partnering with under the Na onal Health Insurance
Scheme(NHIS).
Members may choose to pay premiumsthrough deduc ons
from monthly contribu ons, or outright payments for their
health insurance policies. The member may also choose the
preferred policy plan to cover himself as a sole beneficiary,
ortheplanthatwillcoverhisen refamily.
·
Home Ownership Scheme
Members can take advantage of the Home Ownership
Scheme to own their own houses. Through the Housing
Coopera ve,wewillbetakingadvantageoftheCoopera ve
Housing Loan Scheme of the Federal Mortgage Bank of
Nigeriatoactualizethis.
Members who have registered on the City Farmers Scheme
Coopera ve do not need to register on the Housing
Coopera ve but would be obligated to make monthly
contribu onsontheHousingCoopera vescheme.
These contribu ons can either be deducted as percentages
from monthly contribu ons made by the member on the
City Farmers Coopera ve scheme, or the member may
choose to make other payments towards the housing
scheme other than the monthly contribu ons made on the
CityFarmersCoopera ve.
Our goal is not only to provide for the
business and financial needs of our
members, but to cater for their overall
well-being.
netplatnigeria
”
“
9
9. Additional support and advice
from the Managing Company
Through the scheme, the Managing Company can help you with advice and
support you need and offer fixed fee pricing for most services.
These are some of the things the Managing Company can help you with:
Business Development
Commencing a business can be a challenging and daun ng
process. We can provide you with clear and free advice on
what to do to kick-start your business. If you need to
develop a business plan and/or business model, NETPLAT
Nigeria is here to help you and more importantly work with
youinimplemen ngtheplan.
CapacityDevelopment
From me to me, we organise trainings, capacity
development sessions, and at other mes offer training
recommenda ons to help you hone your business,
managerial, and leadership skills. Our capacity
development programmes is intended for training,
mentoring, knowledge transfer, networking, and skill
acquisi on to enhance capacity building, produc vity,your
empowermentandinfluence.
Business Support Services
Being a small business, you can leverage on the support
services we provide to enhance your business while
minimizing your expenditure. Some of these services we
provide, while others we liaise with associated companies
tooffersuchservicesatafixedcost.
The support services offered are in areas such as: Accounts
& Audit, Human Resources, Business Registra on, Business
Research, Tax remi ance, Web Design & Maintenance,
Social Media Administra on, and providing other Business
Solu ons.
You can be rest assured that every aspect of your business is
adequatelycovered,savingyou meandmoney.
As a City Farmers Scheme Coopera ve member, you will
receive a 15% discount* when you arrange for a business
plan,modelorresearchwithNETPLATNigeria.
Contact team on andNETPLAT Nigeria 0706 722 4010
tell them you have a City Farmers Scheme Coopera ve
Plan.
We shall con nually foster coopera ve
spirit through healthy and mutually
beneficial collabora ons; enhancing
profitable and sustenable business
development; and rendering selfless
qualita ve service, mee ng society needs.
netplatnigeria
”
“
*NETPLAT Nigeria reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any me.
This offer can be used in conjunc on with any discount offer.
10
10. Frequently Asked Questions
about the City Farmers Scheme
Here are answers to some of the ques ons we are o en asked about the City
Farmers Scheme. The Management Team will be able to answer any other
ques on you have at any me.
11
1. What is the City Farmers Scheme all about?
The City Farmers Scheme through the coopera ve structure
provides farmers and investors a collabora ve pla orm to
facilitate business development, employment, food
produc on,wealthcrea onandna onaldevelopment.
The scheme focuses on harnessing the value chain of any
agricultural commodity prac sed by farmers on the scheme
from inputs to retail (consumers), crea ng businesses along
the value chain to maximize gains for all stakeholders on the
scheme.
2. Is it compulsory to be a Member of the Coopera ve to
par cipateontheScheme?
Yes.Topar cipateinthescheme,youmustberegisteredinthe
coopera ve. The coopera ve forms the fulcrum on which the
whole scheme is run. Being a member does not only ensure
that members, par cularly farmer members, access services
at discount rates, but also have ownership stake in the
businessenterprisesestablishedalongthevaluechain.
3. HowdoestheCoopera vework?
The coopera ve is guided by the Bye Laws set for agricultural
coopera ves by the State where it is resident. However, there
aretwoMembershipPlans:
Farmer Membership: You are ac vely involved and
responsible for your farming business ac vi es, and also
commi ng financially to your business and coopera ve
respec vely.
Investor Membership: You are only commi ng financial
resources to the coopera ve without being ac vely
involvedinthefarmingac vi es.
The Coopera ve is rather focussed on investment and
business development as funds pooled in the coopera ve is
channelled towards this purpose by facilita ng infrastructural
development for farmers use at fixed rates, as well as
facilita ngbusinessesalongthevaluechain.
Members will be provided a copy of the Coopera ve Bye-Laws
uponregistra onintheCoopera ve.
4. WhatdoesittaketobeMember?
Prospec vememberssignupinthecoopera veby:
PayingtheMembershipFees
FillingtheMembershipForm
FillingtheBusinessPlanForm(forFarmerMembership).
As a member, you must be commi ed financially, and to the
p r o g r a m m e s , g o a l s a n d o b j e c v e s o f t h e
coopera ve/scheme.
YouwillbepresentedwithaMembershipCardandNumber.
5. What is my Financial Commitment as a Member?
As a member, you are obligated to commit financially by
ensuringtopaythe:
Share amount: This is a compulsory equity payment made
by members in the coopera ve. It is reviewed annually at
theAnnualGeneralMee ng.
Monthly Savings: Members, par cularly Farmer Members
must make monthly savings contribu on to the
Coopera ve. This is however op onal for the Investor
Member.
Investment Contribu ons: Investor Members have the
op on of paying their Investment commitments on
Monthly,Quarterly,orAnnualbasis.
Business Capital: Farmer Members must provide for
funding of their business on the scheme. This fund can be
paid lump sum to the Coopera ve before commencement
of farming ac vi es, or payment is made at the point of
enjoyinganyfacility/serviceforfarmingac vi es.
Though we advise that Farmer Members should build up
their Business Capital in the Coopera ve for ease of
opera ons.
Annual Membership Subscrip ons: Members must pay
membership subscrip on fees on annual basis as ra fied
attheAnnualGeneralMee ng.
6. CanIaccessCreditFacilityontheScheme?
Farmer members have access to credit facility on the scheme
through the coopera ve. The credit facility that will be availed
Farmers will not be cash but commodity based towards
accessing facili es/services that will enhance their farming
businessac vi es.
The Credit Limit of a Farmer will be in tandem to the
cummula ve Share and Savings Contribu ons of the Farmer in
theCoopera ve.
7. WhatistheInterestRateonLoansintheCoopera ve?
The Annual General Mee ng will fix the Interest rate on loans,
as well as the Credit Limit for Farmer Member. However, the
Interest rate on loans will not exceed the prescribed rate in the
Coopera veByeLawsoftheState.
8. AsaFarmerMember,whencanIaccessaCreditFacility?
Credit Facility on the scheme will be based on availability of
funds in the Coopera ve. However, a Farmer Member can
apply for Credit Facility from the Coopera ve for his farming
business a er Six months of joining the Coopera ve, having
fulfilled his Share obliga on, consistent with his Monthly
Savings,aswellasconsistentatmonthlymee ngs.
Con nued on next page
11. The Farmer Member reques ng for a Loan will also provide
Two Guarantors who must be registered members of the
Coopera ve. The Guarantors must have fulfilled their
Financial Commitment, as well as mee ng a endance
requirementsintheCoopera vetostandasSurety.
9. Can I access Credit Facility from sources outside of the
Coopera ve?
Yes, as a Farmer Member you can access Credit Facility from
sources outside of the Coopera ve but the Coopera ve will in
nowaybeliableforsuchLoans.
However, if such funds will be credited to the Coopera ve for
the use of the Farmer for farming business ac vi es on the
scheme, the Coopera ve may choose to guarantee such
FarmerMember.
10.CanIregisterasbothFarmerandInvestorMember?
One form of registra on is required to be a member of the
Coopera ve. However, one may choose to change
Membership Plan. This should be discussed with the
Management Team for necessary clarifica ons and
documenta on. There will be no fees charged for change of
MembershipPlans.
11.Howo enwillMee ngstakeplace?
Mee ngs will hold on Monthly basis for Farmer Members,
while Quarterly mee ngs will include Investor Members.
These mee ngs are compulsory in terms of a endance,
par cularly the Monthly mee ngs for Farmer Members, as it
will form a pre-condi on for assessing Credit Facility in the
Coopera ve.
Investor Members may also a end Monthly mee ngs if their
schedulecanaccommodateit.
12.As a Farmer Member, can I manage my Farm ac vi es by
Proxy?
Yes, you can manage your farming ac vi es by proxy but the
en re responsibility of your farming business will be on you.
Due no fica ons and agreements must be reached with the
Management Team of the scheme before such priviledge can
beallowed.
13.Is it Compulsory to have a Business Plan as a Farmer
Member?
Yes, as a Farmer Member, it is a requirement before you
commence farming ac vi es to fill the Mini-Business Plan
Form and submit to the Management Company. The Business
Plan provides informa on on your goals and prospects on the
scheme,andhowyouintendtofinanceandmanageit.
The Business Plan also helps the Management Company
advise you appropriately on your business plan on the scheme
and more importantly allocate required facili es/services to
maximizeyourbusinessgainsthroughthescheme.
14.What is required of me for my Business Ac vi es on the
SchemeasaFarmerMember?
All that is required of you is to manage and fund the
produc on of the agricultural commodity you have chosen on
thescheme.
The Management Company will ensure that all you need in
terms of inputs, machineries, land space and the market for
salesisprovidedatfixedprices.
15.If I need to Expand beyond the land space available on the
Scheme to my own Property, can I s ll benefit from the
Scheme?
Yes, you will s ll benefit from the scheme if and when you
choose to move to your own property in as much as you are
mee ng your obliga ons in the Coopera ve, and engaged in
Farmingbusiness.
16.HowdoIbenefitfromtheValueChain?
Based on the commodi es that is farmed on the scheme,
businesses will be established along the value chain to take
advantage of the business opportuni es the value chain
providesinordertomaximizereturnsformembers.
Profits made from business engaged in along the value is also
sharedamongmembersasDividends.
Harnessing the value chain also provides employment
opportuni es as businesses will be fostered, and ul mately
morewealthiscreated.
17.WhathappensifIstopmakingpayments?
In the event that a member is faced with unfavourable
circumstances and it is known to the Management Team, such
can be exempted from making the compulsory monthly
savings for such period. However, if a member chooses not to
make his payments as at when due, he will be deprived of any
priviledges or benefits that should accrue to him on the
scheme, and also face other disciplinary measures as agreed
attheAnnualGeneralMee ng.
18.WhatifIdecidetooptoutoftheScheme?
The Coopera ve Bye-Laws of the State have provided
guidancefor handling withdrawalrequests byMembers of the
Coopera ve.
19.WhomanagestheScheme?
The scheme is managed by NETPLAT Nigeria Ltd in
collabora onwithElectedExecu vesoftheCoopera ve.They
formtheManagementTeamfortheScheme.
The Managing Company will consult, advise and manage the
administra veandinvestmentopera onsofthescheme.
20.What about the Coopera ve Membership Share of the
Profits?
At the close of the financial year, Profits made from the
business engagements of the Coopera ve, the required
Reserves will be allocated, and Dividends will be paid to each
Member in rela on to the total balance of contribu ons made
bytheMemberintheCoopera ve.
To find out more about the benefits of membership and to
becomeamembercall07067224010.
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