More than 7,000 smallholder farmers across five local government areas of Nasarawa State have benefited from a Federal Government agricultural intervention supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development under the Value Chain Development Programme.
The Nasarawa State Programme Coordinator of the VCDP, Dr Eunice Adigidzi, disclosed this at a one day stakeholders meeting held in Lafia, where participants reviewed progress made since the programme began in 2021.
She explained that the programme is being implemented in five local government areas with a focus on rice and cassava value chains, adding that as the project approaches completion in December 2026, stakeholders are pushing for the institutionalisation of its model.
According to Adigidzi, traditional rulers, community leaders and smallholder farmers were brought together to assess achievements and advocate for sustained food production beyond the lifespan of the intervention.
She said participating farmers have increasingly adopted modern farming practices, particularly in rice and cassava cultivation, which has led to improved yields since the programme’s inception.
She added that rural farmers, largely women and youths, have received extensive training across key programme components aimed at boosting productivity, expanding market access and promoting better nutrition.
“Given the significant impact recorded so far, especially the bumper harvests being achieved, sustained commitment and adequate resource allocation by stakeholders and the state government are critical to guaranteeing sustainability,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Mallam Mohammed Osungbwo said farmers have acquired new skills in rice and cassava production and gained access to improved seeds and farm equipment through the programme.
He called on the Nasarawa State Government to adopt the VCDP model, saying it would help promote sustainable economic empowerment for smallholder farmers across rural communities.
In separate remarks, the State Chairman of the Steering Committee on the Value Chain Development Programme and Commissioner for Agriculture, Tanko Tunga, reaffirmed the government’s readiness to institutionalise the programme beyond 2026.
Also speaking, Assembly Agriculture Committee Chairman Dr Peter Akwe said backing would ensure continuity across the state wide.
