As part of efforts to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has introduced a strategic learning initiative under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
This initiative, centered on the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF), is designed to create stronger links between farmers, processors, financial institutions, and government agencies, ultimately fostering sustainable agricultural systems.
Held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, the learning route was organized by the National Coordination Office of the SAPZ Development Programme in partnership with the Country Programme Advisory Team (CPAT). The event brought together participants for an intensive session focused on practical strategies for value chain development, gender and youth inclusion, access to agricultural finance, and effective monitoring mechanisms.
Participants engaged in field visits to cassava and rice value chain projects, gaining hands-on insights into best practices across the agricultural spectrum.
The learning event also included sessions on the practical implementation and supervision of agricultural projects, aiming to equip attendees with the knowledge necessary to return to their respective communities and replicate the lessons learned.
Dr. Emmanuel Igbaukum, the State Coordinator for the FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing (VCDP) in Benue, delivered a detailed presentation on the achievements of the CAF model in the state.
He urged attendees to absorb the full depth of the training in order to effectively transfer the acquired knowledge to local farmers.
In his presentation titled “The Benue Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) Model Achievements,” Dr. Igbaukum highlighted the initiative’s focus on improving access to critical agricultural enablers such as credit facilities, markets, quality inputs, and infrastructure.
He noted that farmers across five key local government areas—Agatu, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, Guma, and Kwande—have benefited from tailored trainings in financial management, goal setting, budgeting, credit usage, savings, insurance, and investment strategies.
Support for these trainings, he disclosed, came from stakeholders such as Winichfarms and Sterling Bank, both of which are playing active roles in enhancing the state’s agricultural development framework.
According to him, CAF’s mission is to promote public-private dialogue within the agricultural sector, boost market transparency, encourage fair contractual relationships, and strengthen capacity through financial literacy and digital tools.
CAF also addresses conflict resolution at the farmer level and continuously monitors the impact and sustainability of agricultural interventions.
The platform operates as a farmer-centered coordination mechanism under the VCDP, linking key players along the value chain to foster a market-driven agricultural economy.
Speaking earlier at the event, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, the National Coordinator of the programme, emphasized the importance of the training, encouraging participants to fully engage so they can cascade the knowledge to their peers and local farmers upon return.
Represented by Mr. Abel Ameh, the Rural Institute Development Specialist from Abuja, she commended the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture and the local VCDP team for their effective implementation of innovative programmes and commitment to agribusiness development.
