In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning (FMBNP), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched an empowerment program benefiting 250 vulnerable smallholder farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The initiative aims to provide agricultural inputs to enhance productivity and contribute to achieving food and nutrition security in the region.
The empowerment program falls under the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS), designed to address poverty at its core and stimulate economic growth in Nigeria. The training and empowerment session took place at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
During the event, Mr. Temitope Fadeshemi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the significance of the NPRGS and its collaboration with the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service (FDAE). The program meticulously identified and validated around 250 farmers who were then equipped to participate in the transformative initiative.
Represented by Mr. Michael Brooks, the Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Fadeshemi emphasized the goal of empowering smallholder farmers to boost production and achieve food and nutrition security. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers, improve food production, and contribute to overall economic development.
The training and provision of agricultural inputs are expected to empower farmers with the necessary resources and knowledge to increase their yields and enhance their economic well-being. As Nigeria works towards sustainable agricultural practices, initiatives like these play a crucial role in uplifting smallholder farmers and promoting food security across the nation.
