The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) is set to reintegrate agricultural revolution and promote all year-round production in Kano with through rehabilitation of distress Dams in the state. Besides, the agro-Industralization scheme is committing over US$131 million to accelerate private sector investment in value added agro processing, and creation of new irrigation channels to enable food security.
SAPZ, a seven-year (2022-2028) agricultural development project being funded by African Development Bank AfDB, International Fund for Agricultural Development IFAD, and Islamic Development Bank IsDB in partnership with the Federal government is being implemented in seven states of Kano, Imo, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun as well as Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the start up workshop of the project in Kano on Monday, National Program Coordinator of SAPZ, Dr. Kabiru Yusuf said the project was designed to assist smallholder farmers upscale all value chain, from production to processing.
Dr. Yusuf added that SAPZ projected to reduce farmer’s transaction cost and supporting them to ensure domestication of processing in Nigeria while reducing export agriculture commodities out of the country.
He said the start up workshop holding in Kano is meant to share knowledge and understand SAPZ design framework with a focus on FGN and IFAD component. He added that the engagement will keep participants a read of the guidelines and and requirements around the implementation.
” The overall development objective of the SAPZ program hinged on high food production areas to supply the domestic food market and create exportable surpluses. Also, the project intended to build capacity of smallholder farmers, small agro-processors, traders, and community based service providers.
” This opportunity met for youth, women and people with special needs, will enhance their income, household food security and resilience to climate change. The initiative will enable nutritional and environmental sustainability”. Dr. Yusuf noted.
Earlier, a director from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Babatunde Adebayo, representing the Coordinating Minister of Finance and National Economy, Mr. Wale Edun has said the ministry is ready for full implementation of SAPZ program across the benefiting states.
The Minister while reminding the initiative was part of Federal government drive to growth economy, improve food security and reduce poverty, reminded the participating states of their counterpart commitment towards funding the project.
On his part, IFAD Country director, Mrs. Dede Ahoefa Ekoue said her international organization is committed to funding the project along other foreign partners to support Federal government to drive its policies on food sufficiency in the country.
She expressed hope on the assurance of participating states would adhere to the model of financing and other agreement that ensure smooth implementation of the food program, targeted to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
