Alfred Ogheneakporobo Ukane

Alfred Ogheneakporobo Ukane is a Nigerian agribusiness expert, consultant, and development practitioner with a strong track record in agricultural transformation, food security, and youth economic empowerment. He is the MD/CEO of Melora Farms, an agribusiness enterprise committed to addressing Africa’s protein deficit by leveraging technology for efficient production and distribution. With extensive experience across the agribusiness value chain, Alfred works as an Agricultural Service Provider, Technical Advisor, and Consultant, supporting inclusive agricultural growth and sustainable livelihoods. His expertise spans agricultural education, entrepreneurship development, farm business management, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness program design and implementation. 

Alfred has served as a technical advisor, master trainer, and consultant on multiple agricultural and enterprise development projects funded by reputable local and international organizations, including USAID, UNDP, PIND, the Mastercard Foundation, and other development partners. His work focuses on translating policy and development goals into practical, results-driven interventions for smallholder farmers and agribusiness MSMEs. A core pillar of his impact is capacity building. Alfred has trained and mentored over 10,000 smallholder farmers and MSMEs across Nigeria, equipping them with skills in farm business management, financial literacy, climate resilience, and modern production techniques. 

He has also served as an agribusiness mentor with institutions such as the FATE Foundation and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan- Atlantic University. Widely regarded as a thought leader in agribusiness and entrepreneurship, Alfred regularly speaks on marketing innovation, access to finance, sustainable growth strategies, and youth participation in agriculture. His philosophy is captured in his often-quoted line: “If we must empower farmers, we must first educate them.” 

Beyond training and advisory services, Alfred has facilitated over ₦350 million in bank-funded loans for smallholder farmers, strengthening access to finance and enabling business expansion. His contributions to the growth of agriculture and agribusiness have earned him special recognition and awards from various organizations. Alfred holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric) in Agricultural Economics and Extension Services from the University of Benin, as well as a Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) in Agricultural Science. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at Delta State University, Abraka, and is a Certified Business Development Service Provider (BDSP) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).