A joint delegation of the European Union (EU) and Germany on Tuesday visited Plateau to engage stakeholders, assess field results, and reinforce partnerships for long-term agricultural transformation
The visit was led by Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the EU delegates to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and Dr Andrea Ruediger, Cluster Coordinator for Rural Development & Agriculture, German Development Cooperation.
The visit also had key Federal Ministries and technical experts from agricultural development projects among the delegation.
The visit focused on strengthening collaboration in sustainable agriculture, innovation, and climate-smart practices that would enhance productivity and food security.
The delegation noted that Nigeria’s agri-food system held vast potential to drive food security, economic growth, and employment, adding that in spite of this, it was still faced major challenges affecting productivity and livelihoods nationwide.
They also noted the limited access to inputs, technology, markets, and finance, alongside climate change and weak value chain linkages.
The said these continue to hinder sustainable agricultural development and rural prosperity across communities.
The EU and the German Government through their respective representatives said they were therefore working to address these systemic barriers and improve the entire food system.
According De Luca and Ruediger, their mission aims to build a resilient, inclusive agri-food system that empowers farmers, supports women and youth, preserves natural resources, and ensures nutritious, affordable food for all Nigerians.
De Luca said the visit sought to showcase results in access to finance, improved value chains, and innovative solutions adopted by smallholder farmers across Plateau.
He said that Plateau’s diverse climate and strong agricultural base made it ideal for developing dairy, potato, tomato, and rice value chains that boost competitiveness and export potential.
In the same vein, Ruediga highlighted ongoing programmes supporting farmers with finance, training, and technology to enhance resilience and strengthen agribusiness opportunities.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang thanked the EU and German Governments for their sustained collaboration, describing it as crucial to the state’s agricultural transformation and economic growth.
He reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner with development agencies to unlock value chains, empower rural communities, and promote sustainable food systems for shared prosperity.
