Over three million people in Northern Nigeria are set to benefit from the Value Chain Development Programme (VCN), a joint initiative by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government of Nigeria. The program targets 456,000 smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs across nine northern states: Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. At a workshop in Abuja, IFAD official Dr. Isaac Mensah revealed that the program will receive $86.7 million from IFAD, $78.2 million from the French Development Agency (AFD), $12 million from the Federal Government, and $8 million from beneficiary states. The initiative prioritizes women (40%), persons with disabilities (10%), and returning Internally Displaced Persons (5%), aiming to reduce poverty, enhance nutrition, and build resilience.
Representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Bukar Musa highlighted that the project aligns with Nigeria’s food security and agricultural transformation agenda. It seeks to strengthen value chains, improve productivity, and expand market access for smallholder farmers. IFAD Nigeria Country Director Dede Ekoue underscored the importance of complementary studies, stating that they will help refine implementation strategies. She emphasized the urgency of launching the program to support ongoing sustainable and inclusive development efforts in the North. Source: PUNCH
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