Northeast: WFP targets 200,000 farmers to improve post-harvest management

The World Food Programme (WFP) Nigeria, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Mastercard Foundation, has targeted 200,000 small farmers and farm workers, 60% of whom will be women by 2027 to improve post-harvest management of millet and sorghum.

According to facilitators, the partnership is part of effort to strengthen food systems and promote increased value chain employment opportunities for youth.

The programme is being implemented in northeast and northwest Nigeria, specifically in Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kano states.

Speaking in Mamudo community, Potiskum Local Government Area (LGA) of Yobe state, after inaugurating a 60 KVA solar power plant for irrigation farmers, the WFP Country Director, David Stevenson, highlighted the impact they are making in driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He said, “Through public-private partnerships such as this, we are re investing directly into northern Nigeria’s food systems, helping to restore the country’s former breadbasket back to production. We’re proving that food security and greater employment are possible”.

In his remarks, Abdul Kamara, the Director-General of the African Development Bank, revealed that, they are on a tour of four states – Yobe, Borno, Kano and Jigawa to assess the impact of their investments and to develop a collaborative approach with WFP and the Mastercard Foundation to deliver sustainable solutions.

He noted that in Mamudo, “we’ve seen vegetable production powered by solar energy, and this facility is a fantastic example of innovation. This model will be replicated, but we’re also doing much more.

“Earlier today in Potiskum, we visited the market and spoke with local traders to ensure our solutions are holistic, addressing the entire food system beyond just vegetables, maize, and wheat.”

The Mastercard Foundation is investing $5 million over three years through WFP to create good jobs for young people and women in agriculture.

The visit to Mamudo is one example of how the foundation is helping to save and change lives through food security.