CARITAS Nigeria has empowered 400 farmers across Lagos State with smart agricultural skills and modern food processing techniques as part of efforts to reduce poverty and promote sustainable livelihoods.
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The intervention targeted beneficiaries in Badagry, Ikorodu and surrounding communities, equipping them with practical knowledge to improve productivity, minimise post-harvest losses and boost income generation.
The programme, supported by the Conrad Hilton Foundation and implemented in collaboration with the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, forms part of CARITAS Nigeria’s broader humanitarian and human capital development initiatives.
Participants received hands-on training in key value chain areas, including pasteurisation of tomatoes and pepper into paste, cassava processing into garri flour, fresh fish preservation and commercial catfish breeding.
Speaking during the training, Director of Humanitarian Services at CARITAS Nigeria, Nkese Udongwo, said the initiative is structured to encourage self-reliance and reduce dependence on limited white-collar employment opportunities.
“The aim of this programme is to move people out of poverty, and enable them to have sustainable livelihood without waiting for white collar jobs. When they are gainfully self-employed, they will be able to employ others,” she said.
In his remarks, Executive Secretary of CARITAS Nigeria, Reverend Father Peter Babangida, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through skills development and resource provision.
“Our aim is to support the poor and the vulnerable in the society by training them and offering them the equipment to grow on,” he stated.
He also urged beneficiaries who received start-up kits to utilise them productively rather than sell them, noting that the long-term impact depends on effective use.
Participants commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful for improving their agricultural activities and livelihoods.
