The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has pledged a $78 million training grant to bolster food security in Nigeria. This initiative aims to empower 150 farmers in Bauchi State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The announcement was made by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, during the launch of a poultry workshop for grant beneficiaries in the Orozo area of Abuja.
The beneficiaries of this grant are members of the Community Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (COMAFAS).
Toure-Litse explained that the grant’s primary purpose is to enhance the capacity of young individuals to participate in agricultural value chains and food production. The funds will be specifically allocated to train 150 young people in poultry and fisheries.
She highlighted the significance of these two subsectors in driving the economy and fostering development in the West African sub-region.
ECOWAS has developed comprehensive training modules and organised training sessions for a total of 3,032 young individuals, with 30 percent being women and 70 percent men, according to Toure-Litse.
Enhancing agricultural productivity and competitiveness in West Africa has the potential to significantly impact food security, economic development, and livelihoods in the sub-region, she emphasised.
Toure-Litse also emphasised that the ECOWAS Agriculture Policy serves as the guiding framework for all 15 member states, with a strong focus on agricultural productivity and competitiveness.
The program’s primary goal is to strengthen the capabilities of young people and female farmers, facilitating their access to resources, markets, and involvement in agribusiness.
Toure-Litse underscored the urgent need for intervention in gender participation in agriculture, youth employment, and various aspects of the food supply chain, including crops, forestry, livestock, and fisheries.
She noted, “Products from crops, livestock and fisheries are the second largest when we talk about intra-community trade and interestingly, among these, livestock is the largest item.”
“It is anticipated that by 2030, at least 30 percent of young people in the sub-region will be employed in the agriculture sector. she added.
Dr. Austine Maduka, Founder and President of COMAFAS, explained that the training, conducted in partnership with ECOWAS, aims to educate young farmers on effective strategies for starting and managing production. The partnership will play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of meat and other food products while equipping individuals with relevant skills to implement sustainable poverty reduction strategies.
Out of the 150 beneficiaries, 75 will receive training in poultry farming in the FCT, while the remaining 75 will be trained in fish farming in Bauchi. The beneficiaries in the FCT have received initial support in the form of 50 birds each, along with bags of poultry feed and necessary medications to kickstart their endeavor.