The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the German Government, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and Care Nigeria, has announced plans to empower 6,389 households in Yobe State through a new initiative aimed at building resilience and promoting social cohesion.
Abatcha Abubakar, the Area Manager of Care Nigeria, disclosed this during a state-level stakeholders inception meeting on the Resilience and Social Cohesion (Peace) Project held in Damaturu, Yobe State.
According to Abubakar, the Resilience and Social Cohesion (Peace) Project is a joint initiative designed to restore essential services and rebuild livelihoods, driving sustainable transformation in the state. He explained that the households would receive training and empowerment support, including agricultural inputs, crop processing machines, and monthly stipends to improve their living standards.
He stated that the project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the German Government in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and Care Nigeria. “The program aims to increase the productivity and income of 6,389 smallholder farmers and households across the agricultural value chain and enhance the economic status of 31,945 individuals,” Abubakar said.
He noted that the project targets five wards in Jakusko Local Government Area (LGA), focusing on improving dietary diversification and access to financial services through the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLAs).
“We implement crop production initiatives where project participants are grouped together and provided with inputs to build their resilience and self-sufficiency. Additionally, we have an Income Generating Activity (IGA) aimed at improving household finances. Through IGAs, we form groups and equip them with agro-processing machines, enabling them to generate income beyond farming,” he said.
Abubakar added that the VSLAs serve as a global tool to empower women to save and contribute to a collective fund, providing mutual support. “The initiative aims to support 6,389 households through agricultural interventions. We’ll provide seeds for crops like maize, groundnuts, and rice, focusing on wet season farming. Additionally, we’ll promote vegetable gardening, encouraging participants to cultivate backyard gardens,” he added.
He emphasized that the intervention seeks to improve livelihoods and prevent households from falling into food insecurity. “Furthermore, selected households will receive a monthly stipend for six months. We’re also constructing warehouses to support these initiatives,” Abubakar said.
In his remark, Owen Maganga, the Head of World Food Programme, Damaturu Sub Office, Yobe State, said the WFP remains committed to supporting the livelihoods of farmers across the Northeastern region.