FG Seeks IFAD’s Partnership To Boost Food Production

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) Abubakar Kyari, on Tuesday reiterated the government’s commitment to working with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on achieving an inclusive agri-food system.

This is as the minister said it is planning to organise an agriculture and food security summit in 2024.

Kyari disclosed this when he received the Associate Vice President of IFAD Dr. Donal Brown at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.

He said, “Our commitment to partnership with IFAD on Innovative Finance for Food System is evident in our participation in the United Nations Food System Stocktaking Moment in July 2023.

“It is no doubt that the trio of the Inclusive Agri-Food System Transformation, Smallholder farmers’ empowerment and Innovative Financing are levers of change that offer a unique opportunity to accelerate global food systems growth, leveraging on new sustainable models for better agricultural productivity, safer environment, richer nutrition, and better livelihood for rural communities.”

Kyari expressed gratitude to IFAD for her fidelity to due diligence in the existing operations of FGN/IFAD Portfolios.

He said, “The smooth implementation of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), Value Chain Development Program (VCDP), Additional Financing (AF) and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) Programme underscores the unique quality of our strategic partnership.

“It is my strong belief that some of the next steps in the implementation of LIFE-ND which include the approval of a one-year extension, request for $20m additional Financing (AF) and preparation of LIFE-ND phase 2 will be given accelerated attention.”

Lauding IFAD’s commitment Dr. Brown said its mission in the country is not limited to strengthening existing relationships with Nigeria despite being one of its strongest members, but to look at the future direction of support that IFAD can provide the government in the long term.

Brown said, “For us, it’s important for two reasons. One, it is a sign of the commitment of the government to IFAD, and secondly, all the money that we raise through our replenishment cycle is money that we immediately program back into our projects in countries like Nigeria. So, the more money we raise, the more money for countries like Nigeria.”