More than 60,000 young people in Nigeria’s Niger Delta have benefited from an agricultural empowerment programme supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The intervention, jointly financed by the Federal Government and participating state governments, is designed to improve food production while creating employment and income opportunities for youths across the region.
Through the programme, beneficiaries have received training and support in farming, food production and agro-processing.
The initiative is also helping participants acquire practical skills that can enable them to establish or expand businesses within the agricultural value chain.
Beyond increasing agricultural output, the programme is aimed at tackling youth unemployment by encouraging young Nigerians to pursue productive ventures in farming and related industries.
The intervention is expected to contribute to improved household incomes while strengthening local food systems and creating opportunities for young people in rural and semi-urban communities.
With Nigeria facing persistent concerns over food insecurity, unemployment and poverty, agricultural programmes that combine skills development with access to productive opportunities could play an important role in strengthening local economies.
The IFAD-supported initiative therefore places young people at the centre of efforts to build a more productive and resilient agricultural sector in the Niger Delta.
By equipping youths with relevant agricultural and processing skills, the programme seeks to ensure that more young Nigerians can participate meaningfully in the production, processing and distribution of food.
