In a heartfelt display of gratitude, the Amede Autonomous Community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, rolled out the red carpet for Dr. Edward Isiwu, the State Programme Coordinator of the International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP).
The community organised a grand civic reception on Tuesday to celebrate the tangible improvements IFAD-VCDP has brought to local farmers since operations began in the area in 2021. The event served as both a thank-you gesture and a platform to highlight the programme’s lasting impact on rural agriculture and livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Mr. Victor Odoabuchi described the reception as a celebration of meaningful collaboration and positive change.
“It is with great joy and deep appreciation that I stand before you today, on behalf of the good people of Amede, to welcome everyone to this reception in honour of Dr. Edward Isiwu,” Odoabuchi said.
“This gathering reflects our profound gratitude for the remarkable gesture and impactful intervention of the IFAD programme in our community. Today’s event is not merely a reception; it is a celebration of meaningful collaboration and the positive transformation that the programme has brought to Amede.”
He credited the programme’s entry into Amede to the initial support of Prof. Hillary Edeoga, which facilitated sensitisation, farmer mobilisation, and registration of active participants.
Key achievements highlighted included:
– Construction of community wells for reliable water access
– Establishment of a functional rice mill to boost local processing
– Development of 50 hectares of farmland for cultivation
– Building of two culverts and a mini-bridge to improve access to farmlands and neighbouring villages
– Distribution of essential agro-inputs (fertilisers, herbicides, improved seeds) and equipment (tricycles, water pumping machines, cassava processing machines, threshers, and winnowers)
– Training programmes on Good Agricultural Practices, business plan development, and nutrition-based cooking techniques
These interventions have directly enhanced productivity, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved income for smallholder farmers focused on rice and cassava value chains—core commodities supported by IFAD-VCDP across Nigeria.
Farmers at the event expressed appreciation while raising constructive requests. Chief Matthias Edeh acknowledged the programme’s positive effects but appealed for urgent repairs to the damaged Onu-Uro culvert, which hinders movement during the rainy season, and additional support to fully equip the rice mill for better processing capacity.
Mr. James Ibeh called for the introduction of irrigation facilities to enable dry-season rice farming, leveraging the area’s available water bodies.
In response, Dr. Isiwu expressed deep humility and joy at the community’s recognition.
“I feel so elated by this community,” he said. “Many communities appreciate what we do, but this one decided to organise a special reception. The people have shown us that the projects executed here are working and being put to good use.”
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He confirmed several of the listed achievements, including the rice mill, mini-bridges, market, aggregation centre, and 50 hectares of developed farmland. Isiwu also revealed that mini-irrigation schemes are under active consideration to support year-round farming, given the local water resources.
He assured the community that many of their requests have already been incorporated into the programme’s annual work plan and budget, with implementation to follow as approved.
“The programme remains committed to improving farmers’ productivity and sustaining livelihoods in rural communities across the state,” Isiwu emphasised.
The reception underscored the growing trust between IFAD-VCDP and rural communities in Enugu State, where the programme—supported by both federal and state governments—continues to strengthen agricultural value chains, reduce poverty, and promote food security through targeted, community-driven interventions.
As one farmer summed up the sentiment: the programme is not just delivering projects—it is changing lives, one improved harvest at a time.
