The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is currently supporting more than 25,500 youths and women in agriculture entrepreneurship within the Niger Delta region. These efforts are part of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Niger Delta project, which is backed by the International Fund for Agriculture Development.
Participants from all six states in the Niger Delta are involved in the project, which aims to provide a $60 million loan from IFAD. The initiative spans two phases over a 12-year period, with the first phase beginning in 2019.
The project focuses on empowering youths and women in agriculture entrepreneurship to promote self-reliance and sustainability. Beneficiaries are trained in various agricultural commodities like cassava, plantain, fish, rice, cocoa, oil palm, and poultry, covering the entire value chain from production to marketing.
Training also includes building capacity in record-keeping and documentation to enhance business operations. Participants are required to be unemployed or underemployed individuals residing in rural communities.
The project’s goal is to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to run successful agricultural businesses, increase their financial inclusion, and improve their ability to manage enterprises effectively.