The National Coordinator of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria, says seven Nigerian states are to benefit from the first phase of the smallholder farmers initiative.
She said this during a stakeholders’ engagement on the Mainstreaming of the African Union Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) in Abuja.
The states, according to her, are Nassarawa, Cross River, Imo, Abia, Kano, and Kebbi.
Akobundu said that the initiative aims to address food supply challenges and bolster local agricultural production in the country.
She highlighted that the initiative was part of AUDA-NEPAD’s broader mandate under Agenda 2063 to support member states through resource mobilisation and technical assistance.
She emphasised the urgent need for robust collaboration and resource mobilisation to advance Africa’s agricultural and environmental goals.
Akobundu underscored the importance of sustained partnerships in implementing CAADP’s strategies, particularly in scaling up land restoration and ecosystem management.
She recognised the vital support from state coordinators and the African Union Development Agency, stressing that effective implementation depends on strong collaboration between government bodies and local stakeholders.
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She urged participants to maintain their commitment to the initiative, highlighting the necessity of both financial and operational support from state and local governments.
Akobundu also called for the sharing of experiences and ideas to propel the project forward, emphasising that only through collective action can Africa meet its agricultural and ecological objectives.
The Programme Officer for Climate Resilience and Project Focal Point at AUDA-NEPAD Continental, South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Uche, said that the project, which began in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, focuses on strengthening smallholder farmers to combat the effects of climate change, food insecurity, and unemployment.
According to him, the funding will be distributed across the seven benefiting states in the country to address food supply challenges and boost the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Uche noted that while the project initially targets seven states, there are plans to expand to additional states as co-financing becomes available.
“Today earmarked the official kickoff of funds for the implementation of innovative strengthening for smallholder farmers and productive land degradation.
“This project is meant to strengthen the capability of smallholder farmers in the country to address the impact of climate change as a result of degradation and other vices.
“The immediate disbursement of funds will enable prompt project implementation which aims to improve food security and support smallholder farmers throughout Nigeria,” he said.
On her part, Munira Abdullahi, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning in Nasarawa State, highlighted the progress in the state’s agricultural sector, emphasising initiatives that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She commended the commitment of Gov. Sule Abdullahi to sustainable agricultural practices, noting the cultivation of 10,000 hectares, with 5,000 already prepared for harvest.
She highlighted that key crops in the state include rice, maize, and sesame, aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
“The state is dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, fostering community growth through innovative practices and partnerships.
“I wish to applaud AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria for sustaining such a brilliant vision for our people. We must all remember that we are not only creating communities that are surviving, but our goal should be to create communities that are thriving.
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“And these communities need to have sustainability and impactful agricultural practices. This is why we, as a state, Nassarawa, have continued to make strides, giant strides, in the agricultural sector.
“And we have just recently come up with an initiative just in May this year to cultivate about 10,000 hectares of land in Nassarawa.
“And it will impress you to know that 5,000 hectares have been cultivated, as I’m speaking to you, and we’re getting ready for harvest within a month.”
The workshop is themed, “Accelerating the Implementation of CAADP and Scaling Up Land Restoration and Ecosystem.”
The engagement highlighted the crucial role of each stakeholder in mobilising resources and fostering resilient partnerships to drive sustainable development across the continent.
