Nigerian Farmers To Benefit From USD 58 Mn Project Focused On Deepening Food Security

The government of Nigeria in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), Global Environmental Facility (GEF) has set aside USD 58 Mn to a program aimed at enhancing food Security projects in Nigeria.

National Coordinator, National Programme Management Unit (NPMU) Engr Abdullahi Abubakar revealed this in a summit aimed at advancing Inter-State Food Commodity Value Chain recently in Abuja.

The project dubbed ‘Integrated Approach Program (IAP-FS)’ is a continuation of other developmental program in Agriculture and is aimed at building greater community resilience to a solid agricultural financing and marketing in Nigeria.

About funding IAP-FS project, Abubakar noted that the IAP-FS project which started in 2018, is being funded with USD 8 Mn from UNDP and GEF, with the counterpart fund of USD 50 Mn from both Federal Government and seven participating states in Nigeria.

“This programme is implemented in 12 countries but not all are implemented by UNDP, some by IFAD, FAO and other United Nation Agencies.

“In Nigeria, UNDP is supporting the program which is being implemented by Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with Federal Ministry of Environment,’’ he said.

He further stated that efforts are being made to ensure local producers of rice and groundnuts give their best for in the production process.They will then measure the impact of the program on farmers’ yields.

“I want to tell you as at now, based on the sensitization we have done, people have adopted some of the acclaimed production method that has been brought by this project.”

He expressed hope and confidence that by the end of the season the yields will increase hence boosting happiness levels for the farmers.

Oladipo Osibo, Programme Manager, Environment Unit for UNDP, in his sentiments stated that the program will run for five years in the following states: Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Benue, Nassarawa, Gombe and Adamawa states. Groundnut and rice production in these Nigerian states form key part of the economy.

“We hope that at end of the programme, adequate and relevant decisions would be made and the country can also move forward”.

Featured Image Courtesy: Timeless Magazine