From Rashidat Suleiman,Minna
In a landmark move to strengthen agricultural resilience, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has launched the distribution of the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) grant.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Federal Government, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), is designed to empower smallholder farmers and promote climate-smart practices.
The ceremony, held in Minna and presided over by Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba on behalf of the Governor, also marked the graduation of 45 youths trained in the fabrication of vital agricultural equipment.
Governor Bago underscored the significance of the program, noting that Niger is one of only two states selected nationwide for the grant. He stressed that the intervention aligns with his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda, aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change while expanding arable land through sustainable practices.
Expressing appreciation to the Federal Government, IFAD, and VCDP, Governor Bago reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustaining financial support for the program and urged the inclusion of more local government areas to broaden its reach. He congratulated the beneficiaries, urging them to leverage the support to create jobs, improve community livelihoods, and deliver essential services to farmers.
National Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Dr. Fatima Aliyu hailed the success of the initiative in driving youth entrepreneurship, empowering women, and promoting climate-smart agriculture. She revealed that out of the 24,000 smallholder farmers targeted nationwide, Niger State alone accounts for 18,700 beneficiaries, with women constituting a significant portion.
The intervention package includes climate-resilient planting materials, soil conservation programs, renewable energy solutions, improved water resource access, and initiatives that convert agricultural waste into wealth. Beneficiaries also received critical tools such as cassava peel conversion machines, solar-powered irrigation pumps, and climate information systems.
Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr.Marcus Ogunbiyi commended the initiative as a step toward building an inclusive, climate-smart, and youth-driven agricultural sector in Nigeria. Representatives from partner organizations, including NAMDA and the National Animal Production Research Institute, also expressed confidence in the program’s capacity to drive economic growth and agricultural development.
With the provision of starter packs for the newly trained youth fabricators across nine local government areas, the state anticipates an upsurge in agricultural innovation and enterprise, further positioning Niger as a leader in food security and climate resilience.