The Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mrs. Dede Ekoue, has highlighted notable successes and challenges in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
She attributed improvements in productivity, production, and income to the commitment of local communities and support from state governments.
In an interview with the press on Saturday, the Country Director shed light on both the significant strides and challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Her focus was on productivity, production, and income, while commending the improvements witnessed across these various parameters.
“The success is attributed to the steadfast commitment of local communities, particularly farmers’ groups, who have increasingly taken ownership of agricultural programs,” she said. Notably, she emphasized the crucial role played by state governments in supporting these initiatives and enhancing their impact.
“Efforts to strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate change and promote food security have yielded promising results,” she continued. The Director echoed the Vice President’s remarks, underscoring the achievements in promoting inclusivity, especially for women, youth, and people living with disabilities.
Highlighting the importance of learning from experiences, the Country Director cited collaborations with IFAD’s SAPz program, which facilitates knowledge exchange among farmer leaders. Additionally, the scaling up of the youth in agriculture program, in partnership with the Dubai government, reflects a commitment to empowering young farmers and driving agricultural innovation.
Despite progress, challenges persist, particularly in building resilience to various shocks, including climate change and economic disruptions. Internally, efforts are underway to enhance implementation efficiency and optimize operations to better serve beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the Country Director reaffirmed IFAD’s steadfast commitment to driving positive change in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments, the country is poised to further advance sustainable agriculture and improve livelihoods nationwide.