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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government has appealed to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), to release $5 million grant for the implementation of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP). The two programmes promote community-based on-farm and off-farm business activities along key agricultural value chain as a mechanism for job and wealth creation among underemployed and unemployed youths and women-headed households.
The appeal came through the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, when IFAD’s Associate Vice President, Dr. Donal Brown, visited him yesterday in Abuja.
Kyari also expressed optimism that the $20 million grant meant for the implementation of LIFE-ND which included the approval of one year extension, and preparation of LIFE-ND phase 2 would be given attention.
He reiterated that Nigeria was committed to IFAD’s future trajectory, especially leveraging on innovation for agri-food system transformation.
He said: “I will also like to appeal for the release of $5 million ASAP grant to VCDP for climate change adaptation as well as the approval of her request for two-year extension to enable the program improve on its disbursement status.
“It is my strong belief that some of the next steps in the implementation of LIFE-ND, which include the approval of one year extension, request for $20m additional Financing (AF) and preparation of LIFE-ND phase 2 will be given accelerated attention.
“Nigeria is committed to IFAD’s future trajectory especially and essentially on leveraging innovation for agri-food system transformation. In line with this pathway, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is prepared to organize an agriculture and food security summit this year.
“Also, our commitment to partnership with IFAD on Innovative Finance for Food System is evident in our participation in the United Nations Food System Stocktaking Moment in July, 2023.
“It is no doubt that the trio of the Inclusive Agri-Food System Transformation, Smallholder farmers’ empowerment and Innovative Financing are levers of change that offers a unique opportunity to accelerate global food systems growth, leveraging on new sustainable models for better agricultural productivity, safer environment, richer nutrition, and better livelihood for rural communities.
“At this point, it is important to express our warm gratitude to IFAD for her fidelity to due diligence in the existing operations of FGN/IFAD Portfolios.”
Meanwhile, Donal Brown said IFAD would continue to support Nigeria only when the government makes a feasible commitment through financial agreement.
“IFAD can support the government for the the food crisis, just for a short term and how we can deepen support in a longer term. Obviously, to avoid food crisis, you need to strengthen the entire system which we want to be doing.
“Obviously, to avoid food crisis you need to strengthen the entire system which we want to be doing. We will be reviewing our portfolio, talking about the future with government and doing a field visit to see some of the work on the ground.”
On the Agro Processing Zone, he said: “This is a very important project. It is a flash ship project for Nigeria. It is the combination of work of many agencies including IFAD. The initial starter has been slow. It is one of the issues I want to address this week.
“For LIFE-ND programme, IFAD likes to support governments and IFAD likes to support successful project. The LIFE-ND project has been successful. When it was originally designed we expected a second phase.
“Because it is a well performing project we are very happy to support the project at the second phase. Development does not happen in 5 or 10 years.
“It happens in 20 or 30 years. So when you have a successful intervention build on it because it is the best to make it sustainable.
“At the moment we are at the discussion stage, In the end, the government has to decide until I see their income and signature and financing agreement I cannot assure you of anything.”
