The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission, has empowered over 26,000 youth and female farmers in the Niger Delta through its Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises (LIFE-ND) project.
IFAD Country Director, Madam Dede Ekoue made this announcement on Saturday following the fourth supervision mission of the project in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Ekoue, who was represented by the Project Technical Lead and Global Technical Specialist for Rural Development and Institutions, Dr. Abdoulaye Gonde, highlighted the project’s commitment to empowering vital components of society.
She said, “The project provides beneficiaries with access to finance, inputs, and markets, significantly enhancing their productivity in agriculture. We are witnessing these achievements firsthand during our field visits. For instance, LIFE-ND interventions are leading to a remarkable increase in the laying rate of poultry, exceeding 90 percent, broilers reaching 2.5 kg in just 42 days, catfish achieving table size in six months, and tomato yields exceeding 37 tons per hectare.”
Ekoue also emphasised the innovative use of poultry manure as organic fertiliser, which boosts crop yields, reduces fish feeding costs, and protects the environment.
“As we look forward, we remain committed to scaling these successes, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Together, we can continue to transform the agricultural landscape and empower the rural youth and women of Nigeria,” she added.
The National Project Coordinator of the FGN/IFAD/LIFE-ND, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, expressed delight over the success of the fourth supervision mission. He noted that the IFAD team from headquarters in Rome was impressed with the project’s progress.
Sanni stated that the project had increased the number of beneficiaries in the country, with 4,250 people benefitting in Ondo State, of which 3,500 have been fully empowered.
He added that beneficiaries receive holistic support and are monitored to address challenges in their chosen enterprises.
Ondo State Coordinator of the FGN/IFAD/LIFE-ND project, Prince Olawale Ademola, explained that the visit by the national coordinator and his team was focused on supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of the project. “The IFAD team, in collaboration with the Federal Government, came to see the implementation of empowerment initiatives in Ondo State.
Although the team can not visit all our beneficiaries across the state, they are highly impressed with the project’s success so far,” Ademola said.