Katsina State Government Partners IFAD to support smallholder farmers

Katsina State Government says it will partner the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support smallholder farmers, rural women and agro-processors to boost productivity and increase rural economy.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, made this known at a meeting with IFAD Consultants on a new project, “Value Chain in Northern Nigeria”.

He said that agricultural value-chain would enhance quality and price of farm produce, thereby increasing the income of rural communities.

Garba-Faskari assured that the state government would support the project.

“I am happy to hear that the project is targeting women and youths, which the administration also give more priority to.”

Earlier, the lead Consultant, Mrs Pricilia Achakpa, said that they were in the state to deepen conversation with the government and other stakeholders on the new project.

“The project will commence in 2024 and has targeted smallholder farmers, rural women, youths and agro-processors, among others from Northern states,” Achakpa said.

She stressed that IFAD wants to make it a condition, that 50 per cent of the beneficiaries must be women.

The consultant said they will also meet with other stakeholders, including women groups, people with disability and youths associations, with a view to achieve the set target.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi