Minna: The Niger Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has recorded notable achievements in advancing the rice and cassava value chains through the Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP+AF).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, the Coordinator of the Niger State Programme Management Unit (SPMU), shared these developments during a Steering Committee meeting held in Minna. During her presentation, Isah highlighted that the programme has been successful in meeting its targets despite facing operational challenges. The achievements emphasized the programme’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers, enhancing market access, and expanding opportunities within the agribusiness sector.
Isah detailed the progress made in several areas, including farmer capacity-building, provision of climate-smart inputs, rehabilitation of rural infrastructure, and facilitation of public-private partnerships. The programme has empowered thousands of beneficiaries through training, enterprise development, and the adoption of improved technologies, leading to increased productivity and higher incomes. She reiterated a commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods, acknowledging the vital support of Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, IFAD, and the Federal Government. Isah emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to further consolidate these gains.
Dr. Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Niger Ministry for Agriculture and Chairman of the Steering Committee, commended the programme’s achievements. He emphasized the state government’s dedication to strengthening policies and creating a conducive environment for agricultural development. He called on committee members to continue providing strategic direction to ensure the programme’s objectives are met successfully.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting convened key stakeholders from various ministries, departments, and agencies to assess the progress made under the programme and outline future strategies.