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| Beneficiaries of RUFIN in Agbowa-Ikosi, Epe LG in a group photograph |
The central objective of the programme is to develop and strengthen Micro-Finance Banks (MFBs) and other member-based Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs), by enhancing the access of the rural populace to the services of these institutions in order to expand and improve agricultural productivity and rural enterprises.
The goal is to alleviate poverty with a particular focus on women, youth, the physically challenged and the poor.
Among the 12 states that are beneficiaries of this programme, Lagos state has been described as the best state which has supported RUFIN so far. To actually measure the impact of RUFIN on rural farmers in Lagos State, an assessment was carried out.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, said the RUFIN programme is meant to break the cycle of poverty, thus linking rural farmers to financial services. He noted that the state government has been supportive of the programme since it’s inception.
Dr. Onasanya, who disclosed that the state government has approved the counterpart fund for the project, also added that the Governor of Lagos State has approved the extension of the programme to two other local governments apart from the existing Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu. They are Ojo and Ibeju-Lekki.
The Lagos State Co-ordinator RUFIN, Mrs. Funmi Bello, explained that with the programme, farmers have been trained on capacity building, linked to sources of finances and as a result have been able to expand their level of productivity.
The Deputy National Coordinator, RUFIN, Mrs. Ufaruna Uneku, buttressed the fact that the programme has benefited rural farmers to the extent that some now package their produce for exports. Mrs. Uneku applauded the farmers for quick return of loans which made her describe farmers as being credible. She noted that RUFIN is the best way to assist local farmers rather than giving them funds which they might divert.
In his remarks, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who was represented by the Senior Adviser on International Donor Partners, Appel Auta, described the concept as a laudable initiative which has boosted farmers’ productivity. He noted that if any programme must reach out to people, it must get to the rural people and RUFIN is currently addressing this.
L-R: The Senior Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture on International Donor Partners, Appel Auta; permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya; Deputy National Coordinator, Mrs. Ufaruna Uneku
The assessment of the programme did not just end at the Conference Hall in the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Alausa, Lagos, rather, the team went on a tour to communities and farmers that have benefited from the programme. Beneficiaries in Ikorodu, Epe and Ibeju Lekki Local Governments who ranged from Poultry farmers to Cucumber farmers, Vegetable farmers, Fish farmers amongst others shared their success stories.
Mrs. Omolara Obasi, a fish farmer in Ikorodu, explained how she has benefited from the programme. Obasi started the business of fish smoking in 2010 with just 5kg of Cat fish that she bought. But with the intervention of RUFIN, she now has her own farm with fish ponds where she can harvest fish and smoke it and make multiple sales. She explained how she has been able to access machines that she is using for the fish smoking through the help of RUFIN. Mrs. Obasi also owns a poultry farm where she rears broilers. She is a widow and with the loan opportunity that boosted her business, she has her own personal house and has been able to sponsor her child in higher institution.
Mrs. Alice Abejide, a piggery farmer, who started with just two piglets, now has over 40 pigs. She said, with the opportunity to access loan, she has been able to diversify into other aspect of farming. Alice is also into aquaculture, she has four ponds with about 2,000 fishes in three ponds while the fourth pond is for sorting.
Alice also has a plantain plantation with over 3,000 plantain plants. She added that she is also into vegetable farming during dry season which would be able to command a good price.
Mrs. Grace Omotosho, a piggery farmer, who is in her 7th cycle of loan explained how the loan has helped her. She started with 2 breeding stocks but now has over 20 breeding stocks. The piggery business has helped her to save in kind and in cash. She has a grocery shop, funded through the savings realised from the piggery farming.
Mrs. Alice Abejide and Mrs. Grace Omotosho sharing their success stories.
Farmers could not just stop sharing their experiences with RUFIN and the many benefits they have enjoyed. The Senior Adviser on International Donor Partners, Appel Auta, could not hide his happiness on how the rural people have benefited so much from the programme.
He was able to clear the air about the beliefs that RUFIN would end after the 7-year implementation time frame. He said though IFAD might stop funding RUFIN but the Federal Government would ensure that the programme continues. Auta noted that the assessment tour was necessary for the Federal Government to ensure that the rural people are indeed benefiting which would be a major reason to sustain the programme.
Beneficiaries of RUFIN in Ibeju- Lekki taking a group photograph
The 2-day assessment tour to RUFIN participating local governments in Lagos State attained its peak when the Minister’s representative presented cheques to a new batch of borrowers in Epe. This is to ascertain that the programme would be sustained even after its 7-year implementation time frame in 2017. Appel Auta presenting presenting a cheque to one of the borrowers
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