Farmer and Agro-Processor Support Through VCDP
The National Coordinator of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Dr. Fatima Aliyu, has reported significant success in supporting Nigerian farmers.
Over 128,000 out of 150,000 profiled farmers are now receiving daily weather updates from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT). This partnership allows farmers to make informed decisions and optimize their farming activities, thereby mitigating losses due to climate change.
The announcement was made during the VCDP’s 12th Supervision Mission in Minna, Niger State.
The VCDP’s interventions have led to a marked increase in crop yields, surpassing the national average. Rice yields now average 5 metric tons per hectare during the wet season and over 6.5 metric tons during the dry season.
Similarly, cassava yields have increased to 36–40 metric tons per hectare.
This success is attributed to the program’s comprehensive approach, which includes training farmers in mechanization, agro-fabrication, and agro-production, alongside support for processing and packaging products.
The program also focuses on nutrition by promoting Vitamin A cassava and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, positively impacting a wide range of participants, including women, youths, and people with special needs.
Future Sustainability and Investment
The success of the VCDP has prompted the Niger State government to plan the adoption and scale-up of the VCDP model across all 25 local government areas after the program concludes in 2026. This move is intended to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the program’s achievements, with plans to integrate VCDP staff and farmers into the Niger State Agricultural Transformation Office (NiSATO).
Furthermore, a flagship project in Niger State is slated to receive a $3.5 million grant from the Agricultural Smallholder Adaptation Project (ASAP), benefiting 19,000 smallholder farmers in the state by helping them adapt to climate change.
Dr. Dede Ekoue, the Country Director for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), confirmed that the program’s success will be leveraged to attract more investment in Nigeria, emphasizing the global reach of the achievements in Niger State.
