USADF Invests USD 24 Mn To Boost Local Enterprises, Farming In Nigeria
The United States African Development Foundation, USADF, has invested the sum of USD 24 Mn in grants to various cooperative societies to boost local enterprise growth and the development of rural farming in Nigeria in the last few years.
Adamu Garba, the Executive Director of Diamond Development Initiatives, DDI, and implementing partner for USADF projects, disclosed this information at a DDI conference and Mini Agriculture Fair held in Abuja.
According to him, USADF has invested USD 24 Mn in these cooperatives societies over the years, and they are still working in Nigeria while DDI looks forward to getting more assistance from them.
On the issue of food security, Garba remarked that if concerted efforts are made to improve agriculture, production will increase. He said he knows of a rice farmer in Kano State who yield tripled because of his adoption of improved agronomy practices alongside his keen following of the technical assistance being provided.
Still on remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria. W. Stuart Symington eulogized the interventions and the local farmer out there improving lives. He expressed his honor to witness Nigeria’s transformation work.
C.D Glin, President/CEO of USADF, who extolled rural entrepreneurs and farmers in Nigeria alongside other stakeholders in the development project, informed that the organization has worked in key parts of Nigeria, including Kano, Lagos, and the Niger Delta.
According to him, everything USADF does is led by Nigerians. He said the foundation is committed to agriculture because they believe the sector is one of the key drivers for Africa’s success.
Jack Leslie, Chairman, Board of Directors of USADF, said that the United States was funding development projects in Africa because the success of Africa is important for his country.
The mini-fair showcased leatherworks from Zaria, garri from Ikara in Kaduna State, improved local rice from Kebbi State, refined palm oil, fish feeds, and others. These products had been augmented with value in the aspects of branding and packaging.
