News in brief:
– The LIFE-ND project, in collaboration with the Nigerian government, NDDC, IFAD, and participating states, has injected over $20 million into the region’s rural economy.
– It has created 12,000 jobs, established 15,960 enterprises, and improved access to nutritious food for 80% of beneficiaries.
The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger-Delta (LIFE-ND) project, has injected over $20 million into the rural economy, according to a statement by the project’s National Programme Coordinator, Sanni Abiodun.
Tn partnership with the federal government of Nigeria and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the project also has other collaborators like the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and participating governments of participating states (Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Ondo).
It aims to support Nigeria’s green alternative roadmap for agriculture and the strategic framework for youth employment and job creation across the country. Additionally, it focuses on improving business ventures in cassava, rice, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry, and fishery.
Key achievements of the LIFE-ND project include creation of over 12,000 jobs and establishing approximately 15,960 enterprises across the six participating states.
Other achievements are improved access to nutritious food for over 80% of beneficiaries, increased adoption of climate-friendly agricultural practices by many farmers and provision of benefits to persons living with disabilities, women and youth.
Furthermore, LIFE-ND, according to its project coordinators, is specifically targeted towards promoting economic growth and aims to improve the lives of youth and women in the Niger Delta region.
The initiative hopes to achieve its goals by supporting community-based on and off farm business activities. It targets capacity building to increase the supply of skilled youth labour as well as strengthening institutions at the state and community levels. Also, private sector partnerships will help it to create job opportunities.
Abiodun emphasised the significant impact the project has had on the region since its inception, including contributing to the economic growth and wealth of the Niger Delta.
With its achievements, LIFE-ND is poised to play a role in the development of the Niger Delta region. The project’s focus on sustainable agriculture and job creation, aligns with the government’s overall vision for the region.
