The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, AGRA, has launched the gender consortium project in Kaduna and Niger States.
While speaking at the launching of the project in Kaduna, the Project Lead, George Kabutha explained that the project was to increase productivity of 50,000 women small holder farmers in the states.
Kabutha disclosed that for the actualisation of the project, AGRA was already in partnership with the Niger State Agricultural and Mechanization Development Authority NAMDA, and Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency, KADA.
He said the project, which is expected to last for a period of three years, between 2022 and 2024 is aimed at strengthening and expanding women’s access to output markets.
Also, according to AGRA’s Program Officer, Easther Ibrahim, the project is also meant to enhance resilience and up scaling of gender inclusive rural economy for increased productivity, livelihoods and food security.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Niger State, Ibrahim Panti, the Permanent Secretary, Idris Usman Gbogan disclosed that AGRA is in partnership with the United Nation’s Women and have produced the Niger State Gender Action plan on Agriculture in the state.
According to him, the Gender Action plan was to guide the State in mainstreaming gender in its effort to achieving sustainable agricultural development in Niger state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of Value Seeds Ltd, George Zangir sought the support of relevant stakeholders for the success of the project.
“We commit to invest our enegies in the next 36 months to intentionally make women, hitherto underserved in the 2 states, sustainably significant”, Zangir explained.
Confidence Okwuchi
