The Federal Governnment and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) has partnered with the Global Adaptation Center (GCA) to launch technical assistance to accelerate the implementation of Value Chain Program, in nine northern state.
The programme, in partnership with the Global Adaptation Centre, is aimed at enhancing food and nutrition security through sustainable farming practices and market access.
According to the Country Director of IFAD, Dede Ekoue, the initiative is designed to address the growing challenges of climate change and to build resilience across the agricultural value chain from production to distribution.
She said: “The VCN Programme is a bold step by the Federal Government to transform agri-food systems for food security, inclusive growth, and climate resilience, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Ekoue stated that the VCN project, which is targeted at nine northern states — Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara — is aimed at reducing poverty, improving nutrition and strengthening the income and resilience of smallholder farmers and vulnerable people.
She disclosed that the technical assistance would be implemented by Genesis Analytics; a global impact firm selected by GCA, who will lay the foundation for a digitally integrated, climate-smart agriculture system.
The Country Director pointed out that the initiative also connects with Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) to create synergies for food security and economic development, especially among youth and women.
While calling on all stakeholders to co-create impactful, context-specific solutions, Ekoue emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, local ownership and adaptive learning for the programme’s success.
The Director, Project Coordination Unit (PCU), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Bukar Musa, said the project is targeted at smallholder farmers aiming to boost inclusive economic growth and rural development in vulnerable regions.
He said the programme underscores a commitment to innovation and collaboration in achieving a climate-resilient future, noting that both parties intend to leverage scientific expertise, adaptation technologies, and global best practices to protect Nigeria’s agriculture sector from the adverse effects of climate change.
The director stated that the technical support to be provided by Genesis Global, a company based in South Africa, will include a comprehensive assessment of climate vulnerabilities in key agricultural value chains, development of a targeted adaptation strategy, a medium-term climate finance mobilisation plan, and an accelerated strategy to implement Nigeria’s Digital Innovation Action Plan (DIAP).
The initiative, according to him, followed the signing of a Joint Roadmap for Accelerated Startup between the Government and IFAD on May 7 during a high-level event chaired by the Vice President Kashim Shettima.
