Gloria Akobundu, the chief executive officer of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development Nigeria, says seven states are to benefit from the first phase of smallholder farmers initiative.

She said this during a stakeholders’ engagement on the Mainstreaming of the African Union Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) in Abuja.

The states, according to her, are Nassarawa, Cross River, Imo, Abia, Kano, and Kebbi.

Ms Akobundu said the initiative aimed to address food supply challenges and bolster local agricultural production in the country.

She highlighted that the initiative was part of AUDA-NEPAD’s broader mandate under Agenda 2063 to support member states through resource mobilisation and technical assistance.

She emphasised the urgent need for robust collaboration and resource mobilisation to advance Africa’s agricultural and environmental goals.

Ms Akobundu underscored the importance of sustained partnerships in implementing CAADP’s strategies, particularly in scaling up land restoration and ecosystem management.

She recognised the vital support from state coordinators and the African Union Development Agency, stressing that effective implementation depends on strong collaboration between government bodies and local stakeholders.

She urged participants to maintain their commitment to the initiative, highlighting the necessity of both financial and operational support from state and local governments.

Ms Akobundu also called for the sharing of experiences and ideas to propel the project forward, emphasising that only through collective action can Africa meet its agricultural and ecological objectives.

The programme officer for Climate Resilience and Project Focal Point at AUDA-NEPAD Continental, South Africa, Benjamin Uche, said that the project, which began in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, focuses on strengthening smallholder farmers to combat the effects of climate change, food insecurity, and unemployment.

According to him, the funding will be distributed across the seven benefitting states in the country to address food supply challenges and boost the livelihood of smallholder farmers.

Mr Uche noted that while the project initially targets seven states, there are plans to expand to additional states as co-financing becomes available.

“Today earmarked the official kickoff of funds for the implementation of innovative strengthening for smallholder farmers and productive land degradation.

“This project is meant to strengthen the capability of smallholder farmers in the country to address the impact of climate change as a result of degradation and other vices.

“The immediate disbursement of funds will enable prompt project implementation, which aims to improve food security and support smallholder farmers throughout Nigeria,” he said.

Munira Abdullahi, the commissioner for finance, budget and planning in Nasarawa, highlighted the progress in the state’s agricultural sector, emphasising initiatives that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She commended the commitment to Governor Sule Abdullahi in sustainable agricultural practices, noting the cultivation of 10,000 hectares, with 5,000 already prepared for harvest.

She highlighted that key crops in the state include rice, maize, and sesame, aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

(NAN)