The Agricultural Development for Economic Growth Initiative (AgDEG), in collaboration with the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, has launched a Community of Practice (CoP) – Agriculture in Benue, to foster collaboration and innovation among agricultural stakeholders.
Speaking at the event in Makurdi, AgDEG Country Director, Mr. Joseph Unogwu, said the CoP is designed as a forum for stakeholders to share ideas, compare notes, and synergise efforts to boost agricultural productivity in the state.
Unogwu explained that the initiative aims to strengthen relationships between institutions in the agricultural sector, promoting joint action toward achieving food security and economic growth.
“The State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Benue Bureau for Agricultural Development and Mechanisation, donor partners, the private sector, farmer groups, research and academia need to work in unison,” he said.
“Such unity will enhance visibility of development projects, improve understanding, and build confidence across the value chain.”
He added that the CoP would serve as an information exchange platform for sharing research, knowledge products, and best practices, while aligning partners’ interventions with government policies and programmes.
Unogwu reaffirmed AgDEG’s mission to promote small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and farmer-led agricultural extension services, particularly for vulnerable groups and smallholder farmers in rural areas.
“Our vision is to unlock the full potential of agriculture to drive economic development in rural Nigeria and across West Africa,” he said.
Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, Benue State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Mr. Abu Owoicho, commended the initiative, noting that the CoP would play a critical role in promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.
“Your collective expertise and commitment are vital to driving innovation, increasing productivity, and promoting sustainable practices. Together, we can achieve food security and economic growth,” he said.
Mr. Terese Ninga, Managing Director of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, represented by Mr. Stefanus Solomon, pledged continuous collaboration with AgDEG and other partners to improve irrigation and support farmers across its operational states.
Also speaking, Mr. Nathaniel Daspan, State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Mr. Ajayi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting farmers with inputs and equipment to boost production.
Goodwill messages came from Ms. Ochanya Ogbo, Special Assistant to the Benue Governor on Agriculture; Prof. Philip Agber, Dean, Faculty of Agronomy, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi; and Mr. Vitalis Tarnongu, State Coordinator of the Federation of Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FECAN).
The event also featured presentations of progress reports and achievements from various partners in the agricultural sector.
