The African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria, in partnership with its continental body, has commenced the disbursement of grants to seven pilot states—Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Yobe—to enhance smallholder farming.
The initiative aims to tackle food insecurity, boost job creation, increase farmers’ income, and address climate-related challenges, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, AU Agenda 2063, and the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP).
Speaking on the development, AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria’s National Coordinator/CEO, Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, commended the continental secretariat’s support in securing the grant. He highlighted persistent challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including limited access to finance, infrastructure gaps, climate impacts, and market constraints.
“This is not just funding; it is an investment in our farmers and our future,” he said, adding that state governments are expected to provide financial counterpart support. He assured that strict monitoring and accountability mechanisms will be enforced to ensure the project’s success.
The project aims to shift farmers from rain-dependent, subsistence-based production to irrigated, technology-driven, commercial-scale agriculture with improved inputs, tools, and market access.
Signed
Iyabo Akinwale
AD/Head Media
AUDA NEPAD Nigeria
