In a significant move to bolster agricultural development and reduce poverty in Northern Nigeria, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has launched the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP). This ambitious initiative aims to directly benefit approximately 456,000 smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs, ultimately impacting over three million household members across nine northern states.
Programme Overview
The VCDP is a comprehensive, demand-driven approach designed to address constraints along the cassava and rice value chains. By strengthening the capacities of producers, processors, and other stakeholders, the programme seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, improve market access, and promote sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
Geographical Focus
The programme targets nine northern states: Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. These states have been selected due to their significant agricultural potential and the pressing need to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and vulnerable populations.
Financial Commitment
The VCDP is co-funded by IFAD, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Federal Government of Nigeria, with a total investment of $183.1 million. IFAD contributes $86.7 million, AFD provides $78.2 million, the Federal Government allocates $12 million, and the beneficiary states support the initiative with $8 million. This substantial financial commitment underscores the collaborative effort to drive sustainable agricultural development in the region.
Target Beneficiaries
The programme is set to directly benefit an estimated 456,000 smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs. Notably, 40% of these beneficiaries are women, 10% are persons with disabilities, and 5% are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returning to their communities. Indirectly, the initiative aims to support approximately 3.1 million Nigerians, contributing to poverty reduction, improved nutrition, and enhanced resilience in these communities.
Strategic Alignment
The VCDP aligns with several national policies and agendas, including the Presidential Emergency Declaration on Nigeria’s Food Security, the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy, the Food System Transformation Pathways, and the 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda. By strengthening value chains, enhancing agricultural productivity, and increasing access to markets, the programme aims to uplift vulnerable populations and improve the livelihoods of half a million smallholder farmers.
Complementary Studies and Implementation Strategies
To ensure effective implementation, comprehensive studies have been conducted to understand the challenges in key areas such as agricultural production and marketing, nutrition, farmer organizations, and rural finance. These studies recommend interventions including promoting nutrient-rich crops, improving maternal and child nutrition, and encouraging small-scale livestock farming and backyard gardening. Additionally, the studies highlight challenges faced by farmer organizations, such as limited access to working capital and insufficient linkages with other market players. The VCDP will offer technical assistance and help develop their asset base to support better services for farmers.
Programme Duration and Objectives
Spanning eight years, the VCDP is set to commence in August 2025, following the signing of program documents. The programme will prioritize rural access to agricultural markets, support food system transformation, and address the challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations in Northern Nigeria. By focusing on these areas, the initiative aims to reduce poverty, enhance nutrition, and increase the resilience of rural populations.
Stakeholder Engagement
The programme’s launch was marked by a validation workshop in Abuja, bringing together stakeholders from government agencies, development partners, farmers’ organizations, and civil society groups. This collaborative approach ensures that the programme is inclusive and addresses the needs of all stakeholders involved in the agricultural value chain.
Addressing Food Insecurity
The VCDP comes at a critical time, as Northern Nigeria faces significant food security challenges. Factors such as economic hardship, climate change, and persistent violence have exacerbated food insecurity in the region. Recent assessments indicate that a staggering 33 million people in Nigeria are projected to face acute food insecurity in 2025, with the number of people facing emergency levels of need expected to almost double. The VCDP aims to mitigate these challenges by enhancing agricultural productivity and improving market access for smallholder farmers.
Conclusion
The Value Chain Development Programme represents a significant step towards transforming agriculture in Northern Nigeria. By empowering smallholder farmers, strengthening value chains, and promoting sustainable practices, the programme aims to uplift rural communities, reduce poverty, and enhance food security in the region. Through collaborative efforts and substantial financial commitments, the VCDP is poised to make a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape of Northern Nigeria.
