IFAD takes agricultural support to 727 communities

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has stated that its Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme (CASP) implemented in 727 communities of 104 local governments of the seven member states will assist in the reduction of poverty, increase food security, accelerate sustainable economic growth and reduce vulnerability for smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people.

This was disclosed by the CASP national programme coordinator, Malam Muhammed Lawan Idah, during the inauguration of commodity alliance forum held in Kano State. He added that the support will be geared towards agricultural communities targeting moderately poor and core poor households, which represent over 90 per cent of the population of participating states.

According to him the programme also has a component that deals with enterprise development for women and youth who have demonstrated interest in agriculture or related activities under which they will be empowered with a starter pack.

Similarly, in his address, IFAD Country Programme Officer, Nigeria, Mr. Oussama Ameziane Hassani stated that the seven member states of Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara will benefit from a grant of $91 million and that the project has successfully reached about 20 per cent available financing disbursement mark.