Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
Kaduna State government has expressed commitment to partner Global Alliance For Improved Nutrition, GAIN Nigeria Initiative to deliver transformative agricultural projects for enhanced nutritional value and economic development in the state.
The partnership under the GAIN Project that is expected to last for three years, is targeted at addressing the challenges of low yields, limited market access, high post harvest losses and inadequate finance.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State sealed the partnership during the inauguration of the program tagged “Deliver Nigeria Project”
designed to enhance the livelihood of small holder vegetable farmers in Kano and Kaduna states.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Budget and Economic Planning, Mohammad Bashir, the Governor said the project was in line with the seven point agenda known as Sustained Manifesto, targeted at promoting rural economic and agricultural development in the state.
Describing the project as a welcome development, Gov. Sani explained that it provided a platform for rural farmers to be engaged in economic activities to promote wealth creation, reduce poverty and ensure self reliance for economic growth and development.
He said the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is the coordinating agency for all developmental projects in the state, that work in synergy with ministries like agriculture, health and civil society organizations, among other agencies to ensure sustainability of any project the state has taken ownership of.
In an address of welcome, the Country Director of GAIN Project Nigeria, Dr. Michael Ojo pointed out that the project aims to enhance the livelihood of small holder farmers, with focus on women and youth to foster healthier dietary habits.
The Country Director said, the project is also part of effort to strengthening agricultural value chain and market competitiveness to ensure vegetables become available and affordable in the country.
According to Mr. Micheal, the initiative provided a platform to have an empowered rural population that is more food secure, with better nutrition and income, that would have total control of its destiny.
The transformative agricultural project is funded by Dutch government through the Accelerating Resilient Food Systems In Africa ARFSA and implemented by GAIN Nigeria in partnership with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, EWS-KT and Wageningen University and Research, WUR.
Goodwill messages were given by the representatives of Kaduna State Government, through the ministries of agriculture, health and ministry of budget and economic planning, and representative from Dutch Embassy who pledged commitment to strengthen the collaboration to ensure the project deliver on its mandate of enhancing livelihoods and promoting healthier dietary.
Daniel Karlmax
