The training of 364 young farmers for the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Niger Delta project in Rivers State has begun under the Niger Delta Development Commission. The orientation training for 350 trainees and 14 incubators in Port Harcourt was led by Dr. Winifred Madume, the NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries. The project is a joint effort with funding from the Federal Government, IFAD, NDDC, and state governments.
The main goal of the LIFE-ND project is to promote income generation, food security, and job creation for rural youth and women in the Niger Delta region through sustainable agribusiness development. It aims to create 38,250 Agripreneurs by providing mentorship and training.
The National Project Coordinator, Abiodun Sanni, emphasized the importance of training to equip the youth, women, and persons with disabilities with the necessary skills to succeed in agriculture. He highlighted the significance of youth inclusion in agriculture for sustainable development, job creation, and food security in Nigeria.
Mr. Loveday Itatat, the Rivers State Project Coordinator, praised the 364 beneficiaries selected from a competitive pool and highlighted the project’s efforts to transform the rural economy and improve the well-being of the local population. The project aims to enhance income, food security, and job opportunities for over 38,250 rural youth and women in the Niger Delta region through a sustainable agricultural incubation model.