By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has signed a $158.15 million agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support smallholder farmers in nine northern states, in a move aimed at improving food security, reducing poverty, and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.
The agreement, which will span eight years, was formalized during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by governors and deputy governors from the beneficiary states—Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
The Value Chain North (VCN) programme, co-financed by IFAD, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and other partners, is designed to directly benefit over 3.1 million people.
It is to focus on climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest value chain development, youth and women empowerment, access to finance, and digital technology for improved productivity.
Speaking during the signing, Vice President Shettima described the programme as a major step toward fulfilling the administration’s promise to uplift rural communities, boost agricultural productivity, and create economic opportunities across the region.
He emphasized that the initiative also aligns with the federal government’s plans to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) to enhance value addition and industrial growth.
“This is not just an agricultural investment—it is a declaration of faith in the potential of northern Nigeria,” Shettima said, adding that the programme targets the underserved, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and conflict-affected returnees.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the agreement marks a significant milestone in the government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He noted that the inclusion of sub-national governments underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving inclusive development.
IFAD Country Director Dede Ekoue outlined the expected impacts of the programme, including the creation of over 30,000 jobs, enhanced access to financial services, and the construction of more than 229 kilometers of rural roads to improve market connectivity.
Governors of Borno, Jigawa, and Katsina states commended the federal government’s leadership and pledged their support for the successful implementation of the programme.
They also urged stakeholders to review the design and timeline to ensure maximum benefits for participating states.
The VCN programme was conceived following Vice President Shettima’s call during the UN Food Systems Summit in Rome in July 2023, urging IFAD to expand its investments in Nigeria to support the country’s agri-food transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
