The Nigerian government has urged the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to disburse a $5 million grant earmarked for the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP).
IFAD’s Contribution to Climate Resilience
IFAD had allocated the grant in response to severe flooding-induced farm damage, aiming to support farmers in transitioning to climate-resilient agricultural practices.
High-Level Meeting in Abuja
A recent high-level meeting in Abuja, led by Dr. Donal Brown, IFAD’s associate vice-president, discussed the grant’s release. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, commended IFAD’s role in addressing global food system challenges.
Acknowledgment of IFAD’s Initiatives
Minister Kyari praised IFAD’s successful implementation of joint initiatives like the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), Value Chain Development Program (VCDP) Additional Financing, and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Programme in Nigeria.
Optimism for Future Projects
The minister expressed optimism for the approval of LIFE-ND’s one-year extension, requested additional financing of $20 million, and preparations for LIFE-ND phase 2.
Request for Grant Disbursement
Minister Kyari appealed for the release of the $5 million ASAP grant to the VCDP for climate change adaptation, along with approval for a two-year extension to enhance the program’s disbursement status.
IFAD’s Commitment to Partnership
IFAD’s Brown reaffirmed the organization‘s strong partnership with Nigeria and applauded the government’s efforts to clear previous financial commitments. He also welcomed the government’s commitment to continuing this trend.
Impact of VCDP
Brown highlighted the significant impact of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) on enhancing cassava production and other agricultural outputs. He expressed support for additional financing to further these efforts.
Source: LeadershipNG