In an effort to transform agriculture, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Mr Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, has reaffirmed his commitment towards providing substantial grants to smallholder farmers across the continent.
Mr Abdullahi revealed this at a high-level meeting with AUDA-NEPAD Coordinators and State Commissioners for Agriculture, in Abuja, where he highlighted the agency’s continental efforts in supporting smallholder farmers.
He said some of the challenges facing smallholder farmers include limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and market constraints, which continue to hamper their productivity.
The initiative, he assured, was designed to tackle these issues directly, ensuring that smallholder farmers survive and thrive.
His words: “This initiative is backed by a substantial grant, reinforcing our shared vision of a food-secure, economically vibrant, and resilient agricultural sector.
“However, let me be clear—this is not just funding; it is an investment in our farmers and our future. Strict monitoring mechanisms will be in place to ensure full accountability and transparency.”
He added that the financial support must result in tangible improvements, such as increased agricultural productivity, enhanced farmer livelihoods, and a strengthened agrarian value chain.
According to him, this initiative aligns with Agenda 2063 of the African Union and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that smallholder farmers are recognised as key contributors to national development.
Mr Abdullahi emphasised that the meeting was not just about policy discussions but an interactive forum to exchange ideas, address challenges, and assess progress.
“We rely on your inputs, ideas, and recommendations as State Coordinators and Commissioners to ensure the initiative is effectively tailored to the realities on the ground,” he said.
