U.S., Kebbi in partnership to ensure food security in Nigeria
...with $1.48m co-investment grant to rice farmers
The United States of America (U.S.) and the Kebbi State government have launched a new partnership with the private and public-sector stakeholders committed to ensuring food security in Nigeria, launch a new co-investment partnership between the USAID-FUNDed West Africa Trade & Investment Hub and the indigenous firm WACOT Rice.
The partnership promises to improve the livelihoods of smallholder rice farmers in the country, whose success is crucial to feeding a burgeoning population. Rice is a major staple in Nigeria, but production and supply in Kebbi State, a major producer of rice, has suffered a setback because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In response, the Trade Hub awarded the $1.48 million coinvestment grant, which will allow WACOT to add 5,000 additional smallholder rice farmers into its special Argungu Rice Outgrower Expansion Project to increase local production. The co-investment will create thousands of new jobs, increase yields by more than 50 percent, and help farmers earn more.
Mary Beth Leonard, the
U.S. Ambassador, said the partnership underscores the importance of partnering with the private sector to develop sustainable solutions to improve food security, reduce poverty, and create jobs, particularly for women. Accordingly, Leonard hoped the initiative will improve the livelihoods of women farmers and their families in Kebbi State.
“We know the challenges faced by women farmers in owning lands and accessing finances and inputs -- despite women being key to making a significant impact for future generations,” said Leonard.
Feed the Future is the U.S. government’s global hunger and food security initiative and works hand-in-hand with partner countries to develop their agriculture sectors.
In Nigeria, Feed the Future focuses on modernising practices and improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers in five value chains: maize, rice, soy, cowpea, and aquaculture.
WACOT Rice operates a state-of-the-art rice mill in Argungu. The mill is one of the largest rice mills in Africa and sources unprocessed rice from across the country. WACOT also engages farmers who produce and supply rice to boost their yields and guarantees offtake of unprocessed rice from farmers through buyback arrangements.