Heifer International, Empowers Over 7000 Smallholder Farmers 

By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja 

 

 

 

Heifer International, has empowered over seven thousand smallholder farmers across some states in Nigeria to achieve sustainable living incomes.

 

The empowerment was done through the Poultry Supply Chain De- Risking Programme ( PoS-DerP) programme.

 

The Country Director Heifer International Nigeria, Dr. Lekan Tobe, who disclosed this at the Launching of Poultry Supply Chain De-Risking Program 2.0, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, also stressed that if smallholder farmers, can only attain greater heights, if they are empowered with the right resources.

 

“At Heifer International, our mission is clear: to work hand-in-hand with communities, empowering them to end hunger and poverty while nurturing and protecting the Earth. Over 7,000 smallholder poultry farmers across Kaduna and Nasarawa states through the PoS-DerP program.

 

The program has equipped these farmers with the essential tools, comprehensive training, and vital resources needed to not only establish sustainable and profitable businesses but to also catalyze a profound transformation in their livelihoods and contribute significantly to the economic vitality of their local communities”. He stressed

 

He also noted that the flagship poultry value chain project – the Sustainable Market Access for Smallholder Poultry Farmers in Nigeria Project (SMAP) is transforming the poultry sector in Nigeria .

 

“The project primarily implemented in Edo State, addresses critical challenges such as limited access to quality inputs and access to markets. The project is enabling farmers to increase productivity, reduce bird mortality, and secure premium market access. Additionally, through our Values-Based Holistic Community Development (VBHCD) model, the project emphasizes environmental sustainability, climate-smart agriculture, and capacity building”. 

 

The Country Director, Further reiterated commitment to building a more vibrantly poultry sector in Nigeria.

 

“As we stand on the brink of launching Phase Two of PoS-DerP, our aspirations are even greater. We are resolute in our commitment to building a poultry sector in Nigeria that is not only resilient but also vibrantly thriving – a sector that benefits not only the hardworking smallholder farmers but also radiates prosperity throughout the entire nation. With the support of our implementation partner, Pullus Africa, and the dedication of our project participants, I am filled with confidence that we will turn this bold vision into a tangible reality”. 

 

According to Dr.Tobe risks losing about N250 billion from the poultry subsector if key challenges facing the sector are not immediately addressed.

 

“It’s going to be multiples of billions of Naira, multiples of billion. And I am not talking about 10 billion or 20 billion.I am talking around 250 billion Naira, which is why we have been advocating for urgent intervention for MSMEs and farmers in that subsector,”he said.

 

Also speaking, the Assistant Director, policy and Coordination Department, Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maimuna Mustapha-Yahuza, restated the Ministry’s commitment to promoting climate resilience for poultry farmers.

 

“We pledge to: Enhance access to quality inputs and equipment, Strengthen disease surveillance and control, Improve market linkages and pricing support, Increase access to finance and credit and Promote climate-resilient practices.Together, we can overcome these challenges and: Boost productivity and efficiency, Increase income and livelihoods, Enhance food security and nutrition and Empower rural communities”.

 

Stakeholders maintained that the event was a clarion call for more action and opportunity to leverage on the insights from collective experiences.

 

 

 

Oyenike Oyeniyi