Nigeria is set to receive a substantial Loan of $134 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB). This loan will play a crucial role in the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and AgroPocket (NAGS-AP) Project, aimed at increasing farmers’ ability to cultivate essential crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and wheat throughout the entire nation. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister in charge of Agriculture and Food Security, declared this during the weekend in Jigawa State as he inaugurated the commencement of this year’s Wheat Dry Season farming.
He explained that the loan would result in a minimum Crop Yield increase of 20 percent in comparison to the previous year. The wet season will witness the addition of crops such as soybeans and sorghum. Furthermore, he acknowledged that the journey would not be without challenges, as many had already emerged. However, they are ready to face this challenge head-on. Their approach involves leveraging the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in a strategic manner. By precisely targeting thriving clusters of irrigated farms, utilising reliable data about farmers, and efficiently mapping them to Agro Dealer Redemption Centres, they have successfully made significant progress in this endeavour.
Investments in education, agriculture, and health will improve livelihoods.
Jigawa’s Governor, Umar Namadi, expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government for selecting Jigawa and extending substantial support to local farmers. He revealed that this impactful initiative will transform the lives of over 42,000 farmers. Urging farmers, the governor emphasised the vital importance of adhering to optimal techniques to achieve an abundant harvest. Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State was also encouraged by Nicolas Lang, the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, to prioritise investments in the education, agriculture, and health sectors. This strategic move aims to enhance service delivery within the state.
The Swiss Ambassador highlighted that the most effective path towards restoring people’s livelihoods in communities lies in investing in Education alongside a social safety network. During the governor’s recent visit to Abuja, the envoy emphasised the severe consequences of lacking a robust education system, stating that both state and national development would be halted without quality and productive education. On the other hand, Lang expressed admiration for the Yobe government’s initiative to be actively involved in the education and continuous development of teachers. As Lang acknowledged, this effort plays a vital role in reviving the fundamental aspects of education.
Conflict-affected states will be prioritised in the collaboration.
In the northeast region of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, the Swiss government’s envoy made a solemn commitment to the states affected by the conflict. He expressed his concern about the past decade where these states have been inaccessible, thus preventing crucial assistance from development partners. However, he emphasised that moving forward, top priority will be given to the education, agriculture, and health sectors, with full support from both the state government and its people. In response, Buni informed Lang of the successful resettlement of all the affected individuals in various communities, with the exception of Malundunari. Unfortunately, this particular community fell victim to a recent attack by Boko Haram, resulting in their displacement.
According to Buni, efforts are being made by the state government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to facilitate the repatriation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) back to their communities. Buni also mentioned that various amenities, such as healthcare services, have been made available to different communities, aiming to accelerate the process of IDP return and resettlement, ensuring it is conducted in a respectable manner, in line with the principles outlined in the Kampala Convention.
Internally displaced persons will be given the necessary support.
Despite the fact that the internally displaced persons (IDP) had received assistance in terms of livelihood, it was observed that additional support in the agricultural sector was necessary to enhance farming and Livestock Production. The governor emphasised the state government’s eagerness to collaborate with the Swiss government to enhance the population’s living standards. Furthermore, the governor noted that restoring livelihoods would motivate people to remain in their communities and reduce rural-urban migration. Lang, therefore, promised the northeast states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, affected by the conflict, that they would receive ongoing support from the Swiss government.
