The Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)’s Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) is driving agro-business development in Niger State by enhancing rice and cassava value chains, particularly for women and youths.
Hajiya Hadizat Isah, the State Programme Coordinator, highlighted the programme’s impact during a media tour of key projects. She revealed that VCDP has established processing centres for women groups, enabling them to process rice locally and create a sustainable market for their produce.
“The processing unit empowers women to add value to their harvested rice, ensuring better market opportunities,” Isah explained.
She outlined VCDP’s core objectives, which include reducing poverty, increasing food security, and fostering economic growth. “By training farmers in quality production techniques, we are contributing to food security and improving incomes in rural communities,” she said.
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Isah also emphasized the competitive edge of VCDP farmers in the market. “Our farmers use Faro 44, a long-grain variety, which improves product quality and increases demand,” she noted.
The programme is also mentoring youths in modern farming practices. “VCDP youths are now training their peers to adopt better agronomic practices, boosting productivity and profitability,” Isah added.
However, challenges such as insecurity and farmer illiteracy remain. “Insecurity in some local governments and limited technical understanding among farmers slow down progress,” she acknowledged.
Despite these hurdles, VCDP is becoming a model for agro-business growth, attracting interest from other states and donors. The programme continues to empower rural communities, positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic development.
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