NADF, Niger state partner to produce 20,000 metric tons of foods

The National Agricutural Development Fund ( NADF) in collaboration with Niger State foods company is preparing to cultivate 4,000 hectares of land for rice and maize with 4,000 farmers to realize 20,000 metric tons of grains against 2025.

The Executive Secretary (ES), NADF Mohammad Ibrahim made this known at a stakeholders meeting organized by his office, GIZ ( German Corporation for International Cooperation) and Action Aid Nigeria towards ensuring availability of funds for small scale farmers in Nigeria towards food security.

Mohammad Ibrahim said that NADF would be partnering with Niger State foods company to cultivate four thousand hectares of land to grow maize and rice with 4,000 small holders farmers adding that about 20,000 metric tons of foods are expected from the partnership to feed about 40,000 people in the running year.

The ES emphasized that small holder farmers remain a priority for the fund, given their crucial role in feeding Nigeria’s population of over 230 million people. 

Ibrahim who was represented by Ernest Ihedigo, General Manager, Technical Operations at NADF, explained that the collaboration with ActionAid would expand funds to women farmers pointing at the success of a pilot scheme in 2024 which benefited over 10,000 small holder farmers as there is plan to reach 750,000 across nine value chains in 2025.

Additionally, NADF is advancing a seed enhancement project targeting four priority crops including cassava, maize, rice, and cowpeas with two others like millet and oil palm. 

NADF remains committed to fostering collaboration and supporting policies that would drive technological innovation and agricultural financing which are vital for achieving a more prosperous Nigeria in food security.

Mr. Azubike Okoye, a food systems specialist at ActionAid Nigeria expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to transform Nigeria's food production, stressed the importance of ensuring that fund are timely provided with sufficient resources to the agricultural sector.

“Over the years, the agricultural sector has struggled with inadequate funding. We hope that NADF will help address this issue, ensuring the sector receives the necessary financial support, including access to credit, improved storage and processing facilities, and better market access,” Okoye stated.

He also called for increased budgetary allocation to the sector, suggesting that 10 percent or more of the national budget should be dedicated to agriculture to ensure its growth and sustainability.

Also, the former national president, Small-scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON), Mrs. Mary Afan urged NADF to simplify the process for women to be able to access funds saying the previous funds had been difficult to tap into. 

Afan also called for more investment in simple farm machinery to boost productivity and  addressing hunger and improving rural economic growth through increased agricultural funding.