The Niger government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development Value Chain Development Programme Additional Financing have reported major progress in strengthening rice and cassava production in the state. The update was presented on Saturday in Minna by Hadizat Isah, coordinator of the Niger State Programme Management Unit, during a Steering Committee meeting.
Ms Isah told the committee that the programme had achieved significant milestones despite operational challenges. She said the Value Chain Development Programme continued to meet its targets in the rice and cassava value chains while supporting smallholder farmers with better market access and agribusiness opportunities. According to her, the programme’s work remained focused on building farmer capacity, providing climate smart inputs, rehabilitating rural infrastructure, and facilitating public private partnerships that improve economic activity.
She said thousands of beneficiaries had been empowered through training and enterprise development, adding that the adoption of improved technologies had boosted productivity and increased incomes across rural communities. She reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods. Ms Isah also praised the support of Governor Umaru Bago, IFAD, and the federal government, describing their contributions as essential to the results recorded. She stressed the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to maintain momentum and consolidate the gains achieved so far.
In his remarks, Matthew Ahmed, permanent secretary of the Niger Ministry of Agriculture and chairman of the steering committee, commended the achievements presented. He said the state government remained committed to strengthening policies and creating an enabling environment for agricultural development. Mr Ahmed encouraged committee members to continue giving strategic direction to ensure the programme stays on course and delivers expected outcomes.
The meeting gathered key stakeholders from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to review progress under the initiative and outline the next steps for expanding agricultural impact in Niger State. Participants also discussed investment opportunities to sustain growth.
