IFAD, Others Meet In Kano To Assess Progress In Agro Funding Projects

The Seven states are Kano, Imo, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun States.

The SAPZ is a comprehensive agro industrialization programme designed as a tool for creating integrated Agricultural focused platforms that will accelerate private sector investment in a value added agro processing to unlock opportunities for improved food Security in Nigeria.

The project was also designed to ensure job creation, import substitution, rural poverty reduction and increased contribution of Agriculture to Nigeria’s GDP.

The Country Director IFAD, Mrs Dede Ekoue, commended Kano state Government for its support to the project and the successes recorded in the pilot operations.

She stressed the importance of adhering to the program’s objectives, ensuring that the benefits reach farmers and processors on the ground.

She said, “IFAD goals through SAPZ is to equip the farmers with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to facilitate the linkage with existing and future agro-industries that will be set up by SAPZ Programme.”

Also, the National Coordinator SAPZ Dr. Kabir Yusuf said, Kano is set to be the largest beneficiary of the initiative, with a significant budget of 130 million allocated for the program.

Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Danjuma Mahmood pledged timely funding for initiatives under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), particularly focusing on the Special Agro Processing Zone (SAPZ) program.

Governor Yusuf emphasized Kano’s strategic advantage within the agricultural value chain, specifically its strengths in rice production, which encompass farming, processing, and marketing.

“Kano serves as a vital hub for agro-processing, with access to vast markets across West Africa, including Mali, Libya, and Ghana,” he remarked, underscoring the potential for economic growth and job creation, particularly for the state’s youth.

The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement, aims to ensure effective resource management while strengthening local economies.

IFAD’s involvement highlights a broader commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.