News in brief: ECOWAS has allocated a $78 million training grant to empower 150 farmers in Nigeria’s Bauchi State and the Federal Capital Territory, enhancing their capacity in agriculture value chains and food production. The initiative, in partnership with the Community Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (COMAFAS), aims to improve food security, productivity, and rural employment opportunities in the country.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has allocated a $78 million training grant to support food security in Nigeria and empowering 150 farmers in Bauchi State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, made the revelation at the launch of a poultry workshop for beneficiaries in the Orozo area of Abuja on Tuesday.
News coverage said that beneficiaries of the ECOWAS grant are farmers belonging to the Community Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (COMAFAS).
Toure-Litse explained that the grant will enhance the capacity of young people to engage in agriculture value chains and food production.
Dr. Austine Maduka, Founder/President of COMAFAS, commented that the training aims to educate young farmers on effective strategies for managing production.
He emphasised that the partnership will play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of meat and other food products. Also, it will equip beneficiaries with relevant skills to implement sustainable poverty reduction strategies.
The training is expected to boost food security in Nigeria by increasing the number of young people engaged in agriculture. It also aims at improving the productivity of farmers, while creating jobs and boosting the rural economy.
The ECOWAS grant is part of the organisation’s efforts to promote food security and self-sufficiency in West Africa. Farmers will receive training and resources they need to improve their productivity and profitability as part of the funding.
