News in brief:
-Â Nigeria ministry of agriculture and international financial institution, IFAD, have launched an agricultural value chain project aiming to empower 456,000 farmers in seven northern states.
– It will focus on stakeholder participation, focuses on increasing food production, creating jobs, and reducing post-harvest losses through improved knowledge, resources, and market access.
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has announced a new agricultural value chain project.
The initiative, known as the Value Chain North Project Design Mission, aims to empower 456,000 farmers across seven northern states. It is expected to increase food production, enhance livelihood, create jobs, and reduce post-harvest crop losses.
Director of Project Coordinating Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Bukar Musa, emphasised the importance of stakeholder participation. He urged all actors in the agricultural value chain, including farmers, processors, and marketers, to actively contribute their expertise and insights to ensure the project’s long-term success.
Borno State, represented by its Commissioner for Agriculture, Bawu Musami, expressed its commitment to the project. The state plans to distribute free seeds and support initiatives that add value to agricultural produce, further bolstering food security and economic development.
The project will focus on implementing strategies and technologies to significantly boost agricultural yields, ensuring food security for the region and potentially contributing to national food reserves.
Additionally, by equipping farmers with improved knowledge, resources, and market access, the project aims to create sustainable income opportunities and improve the overall well-being of rural communities.
Furthermore, the project’s focus on value addition through processing and marketing is expected to generate employment opportunities for youth, contributing to social stability and economic growth.
The Value Chain North Project Design Mission is a significant step towards a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Northern Nigeria. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices, experts believe this initiative has the potential to transform lives, strengthen the economy, and contribute to a brighter future for the region.
