The International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) distributed poultry production equipment and local chickens to 20 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Enugu State on Tuesday.
Beneficiaries were drawn from five Local Government Areas: Udenu, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East, Enugu East, and Aninri.
The items included poultry rearing cages, local chickens, feed, drinkers, and feeders.
Speaking during the distribution in Udenu LGA, the State Nutrition Officer of IFAD-VCDP, Mrs. Promise Ezeah, said the gesture aimed to improve the livelihoods and nutritional status of the beneficiaries.
She noted that the program is designed to ensure PWDs are included in agricultural and economic empowerment efforts.
“We decided this year to support PWDs with poultry rearing equipment to enhance their nutrition and income opportunities.
Our goal is to improve their livelihoods and show that they are valued members of society,” she said.
Ezeah also mentioned that the beneficiaries had previously received assorted vegetable seeds for backyard gardening to boost household nutrition and food security.
She urged the beneficiaries to properly utilize the support, noting that local chickens are easy and affordable to rear.
“Local chickens require minimal management.
They can feed on household leftovers and forage around the environment, making them inexpensive to maintain.
They are also a good source of protein and can generate income,” Ezeah explained.
She added that the programme would monitor the beneficiaries to ensure the poultry equipment and birds are used productively.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Celestina Eze, expressed gratitude to IFAD-VCDP, calling the intervention life-changing.
“I am very happy and excited. I’ve always dreamed of this opportunity.
With IFAD-VCDP’s support, I believe I can expand my poultry business and improve my standard of living.
We’ve benefited from other interventions like fertilizers and seeds, which have positively impacted our lives.
I believe this program will help me avoid begging on the streets,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Blessing Ani, also praised IFAD-VCDP for supporting the disability community.
“I am grateful to be among those selected.
This is the third time I’ve benefited from IFAD-VCDP programs, and I appreciate everyone working to improve others’ welfare,” Ani stated.
She pledged to use the poultry starter packs effectively and make IFAD-VCDP proud through successful poultry production.
