FG, IFAD Launch New VCN Design Mission
As part of efforts to contribute sustainably to poverty reduction, enhanced nutrition, and better resilience of rural population in northern states of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency has launched a new design mission for the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN).
The Director of, the Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU), Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, (FMAFS), Mr Bukar Musa said this process is in line with President Tinubu’s agenda for food systems transformation.
While appreciating stakeholders and development partners, he said, “Your presence at this national launch is a strong indication of your commitment to support the VCN design mission and this process is in line with the food systems transformation agenda and the recent Presidential declaration of emergency in Nigeria’s food sector, which require a multi-sectoral, multifaceted approach if we are to succeed.”
“As a government, we are delighted that despite the many challenges that Nigeria has had to grapple with, like the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate change effects that brought drought and floods, the on-going Russia-Ukraine conflict, we still managed to generate positive impacts through our programs financed jointly by FGN and IFAD, such as VCDP, LIFE-ND, CASP and RUFIN. Through these projects we reached more than 5 million men, women and youth smallholder farmers in the 6 geopolitical regions of Nigeria.”
Still speaking he said, “I would like to call on the design team to pay particular attention to the voice of smallholder farmers, women, and youth and vulnerable groups as change agents and beneficiaries of the food system transformation.
“Agricultural transformation requires the involvement of the private sector. I therefore call on private sector actors, off-takers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and services providers to join the consultations.”
Furthermore, he urged all key stakeholders present in the official launch and those who will be contacted in the various states to provide their perspectives and their recommendations to ensure the success of this important design mission.
Agronigeria/Oyenike Oyeniyi
