NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Kwara, IsDB to invest .2m in livestock development project
Agriculture

Kwara, IsDB to invest $57.2m in livestock development project

310 total views today

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Kwara Government has partnered with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Saudi Arabia, to invest $57.2 million in an agricultural transformation initiative aimed at boosting livestock production and rural development.

The State Coordinator of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), Dr Busari Isiaka, confirmed the partnership in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Ilorin.

He said that the project was funded through this partnership to establish robust infrastructure for investors and local farmers in beef and milk processing.

Isiaka emphasised the significance of the project, saying it marked the first time a sitting governor had served as chairman of a steering committee for such an initiative.

“To understand the importance of this project, it is a five-year initiative with joint funding from the state government and IsDB.

“While other states in the federation receive support from the African Development Bank, Kwara is pioneering this collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank,” he said.

He further highlighted that Kwara demonstrated early commitment by swiftly paying its counterpart funds, making it the first state to fulfill its financial obligations.

“This prompt action has enabled significant progress on the project.

“The initiative primarily focuses on improving agricultural infrastructure, particularly in the livestock sector, with the core objective of enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities.

“The SAPZ project will prioritise youth and women while promoting food and nutritional security.

“It is designed to provide sustainable solutions for livestock farmers by ensuring access to modern processing facilities,” he added.

Dr Isiaka also stated that the project was being implemented in five local government areas– Ifelodun, Kaiama, Baruten, Asa, and Moro.

He explained that it would feature Agricultural Transformation Centres.

“Here, local farmers can process raw materials such as milk before transporting them to an agro-industrial hub in Malete, Moro Local Government Area, for further processing into dairy products like yogurt and cheese.

“The beef value chain will also be integrated into the project, with necessary facilities to support meat processing.

“To ensure smooth execution, we conducted extensive environmental assessments and community consultations.

“We have profiled over 5,000 beneficiaries, ensuring that the infrastructure meets their needs, including access to potable water,” he said.

According to Isiaka, the project is currently in its design phase and is expected to transition into full infrastructure development later this year.

He also revealed that the state government had engaged consultants to attract both local and international investors to the project.

“The goal of the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) is to reduce agricultural wastage and enhance value addition.

“Kwara is positioning itself as a leader in livestock processing, and this initiative will ensure that our farmers benefit immensely,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

IFAD-VCDP train farmers on climate-smart agriculture
Agriculture

IFAD-VCDP train farmers on climate-smart agriculture

378 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) has trained field staff, farmers, and processors in VCDP states on downscaling seasonal predictions and adopting climate-smart agriculture.

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) provided the 2025 seasonal climate predictions.

The training, which held in Nasarawa on Wednesday, covered Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, and Taraba states.

Speaking at the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, Mr Nura Lawal, Climate Change Specialist at IFAD-VCDP, said the training would equip farmers with climate-smart practices to mitigate the effects of weather variability.

Lawal stated that the programme would also update farmers on the latest agricultural technologies and equipment.

“The training covers soil management, crop rotation, pest and disease control, and efficient irrigation methods to help farmers adapt to climate change,” he said.

He explained that the pre-season training aimed to prepare extension agents and processors to guide farmers in adopting best practices throughout 2025.

“The training provides farmers with weather and climate advisory services, essential for effective planning,” he added.

Lawal noted that IFAD-VCDP’s collaboration with NiMet ensures farmers receive accurate climate information to support sustainable farming.

“At the end of the workshop, each state will develop a cropping calendar outlining on-farm and off-farm activities.

“With unpredictable weather patterns, many farmers face significant risks. This information will help them mitigate potential losses,” he said.

Ahmad Aboki, Principal Meteorologist at NiMet, presented the 2025 seasonal climate forecast.

He said the growing season in Karu Local Government Area is expected to last between 155 and 177 days, ending between Oct. 17 and 26.

“In Doma LGA, rainfall is expected to start on May 1, while in Nasarawa Egon, Lafia, and Keffi, it will commence between May 6 and 21,” he said.

He also highlighted dry spell predictions, noting that between April and June, Oyo State may experience a severe dry spell lasting over 15 days.

“While Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, and Abia may see moderate dry spells of up to 15 days, between June and August, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom may experience severe dry spells lasting up to 21 days”.

Aboki emphasised NiMet’s role in providing accurate weather and climate data for economic development, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems.

He reaffirmed NiMet’s ongoing partnership with IFAD-VCDP to improve crop yields and farming systems through climate adaptation.

Mustapha Baba’aji, Principal Meteorologist, noted the increasing impact of climate change in Nigeria, including extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

“Farmers are increasingly concerned about unpredictable rainy seasons, flooding, and damage to infrastructure and ecosystems,” he said.

Susan Akaaga, a rice farmer and processor from Benue, praised the training for providing valuable insights into weather patterns and optimal planting times.

“This training has helped me understand when to plant for better yields,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

NGO urges action to transform Nigeria’s food system
Agriculture

NGO urges action to transform Nigeria’s food system

395 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

One Acre Fund (OAF), an international NGO, has called for urgent action from the government, agricultural stakeholders, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure food system transformation in Nigeria.

Adetola Adegbite, OAF Nigeria Country Director, made the call at the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Thursday in Abuja, themed “Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap”.

Adegbite stressed that achieving food security required collective commitment and action, describing collaboration as key to transforming the country’s food system.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing food security challenges, driven by climate change, economic instability, limited access to quality agricultural inputs, and market constraints for smallholder farmers.

“With over 40 per cent of the population living below the poverty line and nearly 20 per cent of children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition, based on the 2020 World Bank report, urgent action is needed to build resilient food systems that support both farmers and consumers.

“Nigeria is a nation of 200 million or 220 million people, with smallholder farmers producing nearly 80 per cent of our food supply, yet we face serious food security challenges.

“Good leadership, strong partnerships, and targeted investment will change this trajectory to bridge the gaps with smart solutions.

“We believe that smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of our food system, are key contributors to transforming agriculture in Nigeria.

“By working together to strengthen our agricultural foundation, improving soil health, financing, market access, and value chains, we can build resilience, improve livelihoods through agronomy, and secure the economy of our nation,” he said.

Adegbite stated that the dialogue aimed to build a sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.

He noted that a farmer’s greatest strength was not just the seeds he planted but the health of the soil, emphasising that partnerships provide the foundation farmers need to thrive.

He further stated that the dialogue offered an opportunity to share insights and develop practical solutions for achieving food security in Nigeria.

Adegbite stressed that collective action from government agencies, agribusinesses, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society was essential in building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural system.

He said the dialogue aimed to address food security challenges, highlight solutions for smallholder farmers, and promote collaboration across sectors.

“The objective is also to discuss climate adaptation strategies and sustainable farming practices that enhance resilience and food production.

“To shape policy recommendations that strengthen the agricultural sector and improve smallholder farmers’ access to inputs, finance, and markets,” he said.

Adegbite said the theme of the dialogue challenged all stakeholders to address the disconnect in the country’s food system.

“The gap between policies and implementation, how do we ensure government policies effectively support smallholder farmers?

“How do we address the gap between farmers and the market, improve supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and channel resources to areas where they are needed?”

Mr Emmanuel Bamgboye, Field Operations/Programme Lead at OAF Nigeria, stated that the dialogue was an opportunity for stakeholders to unite in addressing the challenge of achieving sustainable and inclusive food security.

In his presentation, “One Acre Fund’s Programmes in Nigeria: Contributing to Food Security”, Bamgboye identified achieving sustainable and inclusive food security as one of Nigeria’s most urgent issues.

He explained that the organisation envisions farmers earning more through larger harvests, improved market access, fair prices, and minimised post-harvest losses.

According to him, when farmers thrive, families eat better, children receive education, and rural communities flourish.

“To achieve these and many more in transforming Nigeria’s food security, we must scale up agricultural innovations that enhance productivity and foster climate resilience.

“Revise policies that grant smallholders better access to finance, land, and extension services.

“Invest in infrastructure and value chains so farmers can efficiently store and market their harvests.

“Empower women and youth, the foundational pillars of tomorrow’s agricultural sector”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Egypt expands cooperation with UN in agriculture
Foreign

Egypt expands cooperation with UN in agriculture

312 total views today

Egypt says it will to increase its cooperation with the United Nations to enhance its agricultural sector.

Alaa Farouk, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, disclosed this during a meeting with Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt.

The Daily News Egypt, a partner of TV BRICS, reports that the meeting will discuss enhancing cooperation between the ministry and UN agencies working in the agricultural sector.

Farouk emphasised the importance of engaging both the Egyptian and African private sectors to boost trade, investment and food security on the continent.

For her part, Panova presented the UN cooperation framework with Egypt for 2023-2027, covering five key areas.

They include climate and resource sustainability, education, health, migration and others.

She expressed her commitment to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote sustainable agricultural development and food security in Egypt.

Following the meeting, the two sides agreed to plan ministerial discussions with African countries under the leadership of the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture.

These meetings will bring together relevant UN agencies and private sector representatives from selected African countries.

The aim is to establish new cooperation mechanisms and stimulate private sector investment, in line with Egypt’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with African countries.

Egypt also confirmed its readiness to share its experience in agricultural research with African countries with the support of UN agencies working in these regions.(NAN/TV BRICS)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

AfDB, IITA sign additional €5m to boosts agricultural transformation programme in Africa
Economy/Business

AfDB, IITA sign additional €5m to boosts agricultural transformation programme in Africa

407 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a five million Euros agreement to finance the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme Phase 2 programme.

Dr Abdul Kamara, the Director-General, Nigeria AfDB Group, who said this at the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to advancing agricultural transformation across Africa.

Kamara said the agreement aligns with its Feed Africa strategy, which seeks to boost smallholder farmers’ productivity and enhance food security.

He said the additional financing built on the 40 million dollars provided for Phase I of TAAT would focus on expanding access to agricultural technologies for over 40 million smallholder farmers across the continent.

According to him, the TAAT programme is not just an agricultural initiative but a transformational effort aimed at enhancing food security, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

”This Additional Financing of the TAAT Programme, is building on Phase I, which the Bank funded with 40 million dollars, and Phase II with 27 million dollars implemented by IITА (as lead implementer), working closely with other CGIAR Centers and National Agricultural Research Institutions in many countries.

“This Additional Financing of the TAAT Phase II Programme is financed with a five million Euro grant from the Donor Contributions Window of the Transition Support Facility (TSF), thanks to the generous contribution of the Federal Republic of Germany.

“TAAT Phase II will focus on empowering low-income African countries by increasing productivity, strengthening food systems, improving farmers’ incomes, and positioning Africa to become a net food exporter.”

The director-general added that the programme would support activities such as farmer capacity building, digital agriculture solutions, extension services, and private sector investment in agricultural value chains.

He reiterated AfDB’s commitment to supporting agricultural research and innovation to drive Africa’s food security agenda, emphasising that TAAT remained a key instrument in achieving the continent’s long-term agricultural goals.

Also speaking, the IITA Director-General, Dr Simeon Ehui, commended AfDB for its sustained partnership and leadership in driving Africa’s agricultural transformation.

Ehui reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to working with CGIAR Centers, National Agricultural Research Institutions, and the private sector to ensure the success of the programme.

According to Ehui, TAAT has already demonstrated the power of science-driven solutions in improving productivity, strengthening food systems, and enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change.

He highlighted the successes of TAAT Phase I, which included the facilitation of the scaling of improved seed varieties, climate-smart practices, and mechanisation solutions to millions of farmers.

For Phase II, he said efforts would focus on accelerating the deployment of agricultural technologies, strengthening partnerships, promoting youth and women engagement in agribusiness, and enhancing food and nutrition security.

“With this grant, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering impact-driven agricultural solutions. The journey ahead requires sustained investment, policy support, and strong collaboration,” IITA director-general said.

He said that IITA would continue working closely with AfDB and other stakeholders to ensure the programme contributes to reduction of food imports and unlocks Africa’s agricultural potential. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Nigeria risks 0bn food import bill without digital agriculture- Group
Agriculture

Nigeria risks $110bn food import bill without digital agriculture- Group

586 total views today
By Felicia Imohimi

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has warned that Nigeria could spend 110 billion dollars on food imports in 2025, if it fails to adopt and strengthen digital agricultural extension services.

Dr Godwin Atser, SAA’s Country Director, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Annual Stakeholder Workshop, themed “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services”.

Atser identified extension and advisory services as key to agricultural transformation, stressing that continuous spending on food imports is unsustainable.

“If we continue to do that, it means we are exporting jobs, and that will further affect our economy.

“However, if we are importing food and our productivity continues to remain low, one of the things that is going to happen is that climate change, which is one of the controls, will further worsen the situation”.

Atser called for immediate stakeholder intervention to address the existing gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural extension services, urging a shift in approach.

He noted that while there are innovations capable of transforming agriculture, the country’s extension system remains weak.

“In some states at the moment, there is no extension service at all, We have seen consistently that economies that make progress in agricultural transformation are those that place strong emphasis on technology transfer”.

Speaking on the workshop theme, Atser noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population use mobile phones, with internet penetration growing rapidly across Africa.

He stressed the need to harness these opportunities to deliver timely and high-quality information to farmers, improving their livelihoods.

“Harnessing the power of digital solutions will be a very good instrument that will help us succeed in our agricultural transformation.

“In today’s fast-changing world, digital solutions are revolutionising how we deliver our extension and advisory services.

“It entails bridging gaps, empowering stakeholders, and ensuring that critical knowledge reaches those who need it most, be it in agriculture, health, education, or business.

“Digital tools enable us to provide real-time, accessible, and data-driven support, ultimately enhancing decision-making and productivity”.

Atser also noted the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in global agriculture, stating that AI-driven tools can predict various factors affecting the sector through computer-based analysis.

He emphasised that stakeholders must leverage digital tools to transform agriculture, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration in improving agricultural productivity.

“The key to addressing the productivity challenge in agriculture and making digital solutions effective is collaboration,” Atser added. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister
Agriculture

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister

454 total views today

 Food

By Ibrahim Bello

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to ensuring that every Nigerian citizen has unfettered access to abundant and nutritious food.

Kyari made this known at the launch of 2025 dry season farming and distribution of Ramadan Palliatives to people of Kebbi by Gov. Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi.

“President Tinubu has consistently provided conducive environment and empowerment to farmers to increase yields towards the attainment of food security which is already on the horizon.

“The Federal Government will continue to work together with states and local government councils to bring prosperity through agricultural production.

“I commend the initiative of our amiable and esteemed Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, for placing premium on developing the agricultural sector which witnessed bumper harvests and reduction of food prices.

“The emphasis attached to dry season farming is a portent vehicle for food security,” the minister said.

Kyari expressed delight over the distribution of thousands of water pumping machines, sprayers and power tillers as well as thousands of litres of herbicides, pesticides and organic fertilisers by the present administration.

Launching the distribution exercise, Gov. Idris, said the government was aware of the challenges of dry season farming by farmers that necessitated his administration to provide them with the required agricultural inputs to reduce hardship in cultivation.

“Last year, I launched the KADAGE programme in tandem with the policy of Tinubu administration to revolutionise the agricultural sector towards food sufficiency and improve the wellbeing of farmers and youths.

“The agricultural landscape has witnessed positive changes in Kebbi with the distribution of free fertilisers to farmers, provision of inputs including improved rice seeds as well as pests control that destroy crops, especially millet and rice.

“My administration is fully aware that agriculture is the major platform for economic development of our nation.

“I am thankful to President Tinubu, the Minister of Agriculture and the National Council on Agriculture, for approving the use of residual moisture for Agricultural production in Kebbi for 15,000 farmers affected by flooding last year to mitigate losses incurred,” he said.

On Ramadan Palliatives, Idris, announced that all segments of the society had been considered for allocation.

“Civil Servants, teachers, local government staff, House of Assembly, NLC/TUC, members of the executive council, security services, traditional institutions, army widows, police widows, boards and agencies as well as residents of all the polling units in the state are beneficiaries.

“Commissioners and other top government officials involved in the distribution have been taken care of.

“No commissioner, Adviser or any political appointee should touch anything out of these palliative items.

“Some commissioners or otherwise are reported to be saying that, they are not benefitting from office, but that’s untrue; all rights and privileges of government functionaries are well protected by my administration.

“Whoever feels that he’s not getting enough, should resign from his/her position and vacate the office,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, warned that security agencies had been empowered to arrest any person selling off the agricultural items provided to them.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Ma’azu, recalled that the state started its dry season farming’s drive, sustained and intensified during the tenure of former Governors Adamu Aleiro, Sa’idu Dakingari, Sen. Atiku Bagudu respectively.

“Kebbi is indeed a hub for agriculture, and agricultural bright  landscape of the country by sustaining and intensifying the initiative by Gov. Idris-led administration,” he said.

Muazu urged the beneficiaries to utilise the gesture to cushion the effects of challenges faced during Ramadan as well as dry season farming in the state. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Food insecurity: IITA set to transform Sierra Leone, Africa’s agriculture
Agriculture

Food insecurity: IITA set to transform Sierra Leone, Africa’s agriculture

366 total views today

Transformation

By Suleiman Shehu

Dr Simeon Ehui, Director-General (DG), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has reiterated the institute’s readiness to transform agriculture and address food insecurity in Sierra Leone and other African countries.

Ehui stated this during the official visit of the President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Bio, to the institute in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports the theme of the presidential visit is “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy”.

The DG noted that the institution’s existing technology and innovation in cassava, maize, soybeans, and other crops had improved productivity, increased income, and strengthened security for millions of Africans.

“Sierra Leone stands a chance of agricultural revolution through collaboration with IITA.

“We can accelerate the deployment of high-yielding pest resistance and climate-resilient crops tailored to the country’s agricultural condition,” Ehui said.

According to him, science alone will not transform agriculture, but with partnerships, research and investment, farmers empowered with tools and finance needed to thrive will drive Africa’s required agricultural transformation.

He said that Sierra Leone had an opportunity to harness Public-Private Partnership to drive large-scale agricultural transformation.

“With the right partnership, we can turn ambition into action and action into impact in IITA.

“The future of Sierra Leone food security is not a distant goal; it begins here, and the conversation here must transfer into commitment,” he said.

Ehui said IITA was ready to work with the government of Sierra Leone to scale up technology, build human capital, support agribusiness and transform the country’s agriculture.

The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Bio, commended IITA for consistently driving agricultural transformation in Africa and being a dependable partner.

Bio said food insecurity challenges in Africa required coordinated efforts across multiple sectors and strong political will at the highest level.

“I am here because I think the political will exist in Sierra Leone to support the country’s food system transformation.

“I firmly believe that research, innovation, and technology are the forces we must harness in order to drive Africa forward, transform the future of agriculture in Africa, and create opportunities for African farmers,” he said.

He said his trip to Nigeria was part of his dedication to innovative ideas to create a world-class food system in Sierra Leone and foster progress for farmers and agribusiness.

Earlier, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said Nigeria’s agricultural transformation efforts had provided a strong foundation for collaboration with Sierra Leone.

Ogunbiyi said both countries could accelerate agricultural development, enhance food security and promote regional growth through partnership, shared experience and innovation. (NAN)

Edited by Moses Solanke

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities
Agriculture

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities

381 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Ministry of Youth Development and Heifer International, an NGO, has urged youths to leverage innovative agricultural technology to drive sustainable transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They made the call at the inauguration of the 2025 AYuTE Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, now in its fourth season, is an initiative of Heifer International.

NAN reports that the initiative aims to empower agri-tech innovators to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, noted that the initiative would empower youths to drive sustainable development, particularly within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Olawande, represented by Ms Kehinde Awujoola, Special Assistant on Gender Affairs, said the initiative was a project aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigerian youths in agriculture.

“It is also fostering innovation and addressing the critical challenges facing our agricultural landscape in Nigeria, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and livelihoods.

“Initiatives like these are crucial, and the focus on agri-tech solutions is particularly timely.

“We need to leverage technology to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and create a more resilient, sustainable agricultural sector.

“This challenge provides a platform for our young entrepreneurs to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to the transformation of our dear country,” he said.

Olawande therefore reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s youths and tech innovators to achieve sustainable growth and development.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International, said a $40,000 grant would be awarded to the top three finalists of the challenge to provide them with the necessary support to scale their agri-tech innovations.

He said this would help transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Describing the challenge as an enterprise development programme, he stated that it aims to identify, nurture, and support innovative, technology-driven agri-centric enterprises to grow, scale, and thrive.

“It is to ensure that the youth of today take hold of the agriculture they want tomorrow, and it also provides them with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and generate employment for others,” he said.

He added that the organisation also provides participants with technical assistance, business development support, and introductions to potential investors.

He said this support would continue until participants successfully commercialise their technologies.

“Some of them become our programme partners and implement initiatives that offer solutions to farmers’ challenges.

“By virtue of their participation, others have found them interesting and invested in them, enabling them to continue growing,” he said.

According to him, the organisation has impacted over 46 million smallholder farmers across America, Asia, and Africa since its inception 80 years ago.

Also, Abdulmutalib Mohammed, representing the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU), said: “Technology is a very important catalyst in achieving food security.

“If it’s not anchored by the youth and tech-savvy individuals, we don’t see how we can catch up”.

Some past beneficiaries of the grant testified to its impact in equipping them with technology-driven solutions to address challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They said it has contributed to food security, economic growth, and youth empowerment. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth
Agriculture

UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth

451 total views today

UK

By Abbas Bamalli

The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has expressed readiness to leverage 204 million pounds in private sector finance and investment into agriculture in Nigeria.

Mrs Adiya Ode, Country Representative for Propcom+, a programme funded by the UK FCDO, disclosed this in Katsina on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting.

According to her, Propcom+ is UK Aid’s eight-year climate-resilient agricultural market development programme.

It aims to support economic growth for smallholders and SMEs in conflict- and climate-affected regions.

“We’re improving the resilience of smallholders and small-scale entrepreneurs to climate change while increasing productivity and incomes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining natural ecosystems.

“The programme, which runs from 2023 to 2030, supports climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and forestry that benefits people, the climate and nature.

“It also aims to transform Nigeria’s rural economy by addressing environmental, social and economic challenges in the country’s food and land-use system,” Ode said.

Ode explained that the programme will achieve this by increasing productivity, improving nutrition and food security, enhancing climate resilience, reducing emissions, and protecting nature.

“It will also help tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, climate-resilient growth in selected rural markets.

“We work as a ‘market facilitator’, identifying constraints in market systems and enabling changes that help rural markets benefit poor and climate-vulnerable smallholders and entrepreneurs.

“Propcom+ aims to increase the incomes and climate resilience of 3.79 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians, 50 per cent of whom will be women.

“The programme aims to support over four million people in adopting sustainable agricultural practices while about £95 million was earmarked for the programme,” she added.

She revealed that the programme is already active in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Gombe and Adamawa. Katsina has just been approved as a beneficiary.

Ode said this development followed a meeting between Gov. Dikko Radda and the FCDO, where they discussed the programme’s implementation in Katsina.

“Today, we had a very good meeting with farmers, businessmen, processors, academics, women’s groups and cooperatives.

“They support the decision to implement the programme in Katsina.

“In the coming days, we’ll meet government officials to better understand the challenges and how we can address them,” Ode stated.

According to her, Propcom+ aims to tackle three major challenges: low agricultural productivity, conflict over natural resources, and the impact of climate change.

She noted that the programme seeks to transform the rural economy and increase smallholder farmers’ and SMEs’ incomes, ensuring people can earn a decent living and reduce poverty. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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