The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has recorded success in rice and cassava production in Niger State following the rollout of its Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) grant.

A field tour by VCDP officials to intervention sites in Katcha and Bida Local Government Areas showcased expanded farm sizes and thriving waste-to-wealth enterprises. 

The tour included visits to the Bangi Farmers Cooperative, Emiworo community, and the Dabarako Cassava Processing Centre to assess the impact of climate-smart technologies and improved seeds provided under the global initiative.

Hajiya Hadizat Isah, State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, stated that the grant began in March 2025 across Niger and Kogi states. 

In Niger alone, the programme supported 18,710 beneficiaries across six LGAs, including Bida, Borgu, Edati, Katcha, Mokwa, and Wushishi. In Katcha LGA, 1,410 farmers successfully cultivated approximately 500 hectares under the scheme.

Isah explained that the core objective of ASAP was to enhance climate resilience and improve waste management through innovative technologies. 

She noted that farmers received climate-resilient rice seeds and high-yield Vitamin A cassava stems, while processors were equipped to convert agricultural by-products into valuable goods.

At the Emiworo community, women cooperatives demonstrated the production of briquettes from rice husks to curb deforestation and generate income. 

Similarly, the Dabarako Processing Centre showcased equipment that converted cassava peels into animal feed.

“Our markets are full of paddy. We can now sponsor our children in school without stress,” said Ahmed Mohammed, a rice farmer in Katcha. Haliman Ibrahim, a processor from Emiworo, added that the training on rice husk conversion had significantly improved local livelihoods.

Extension Agent Nathaniel Gana noted that the intervention included training in Good Agronomic Practices and the construction of bunds for water retention. 

The programme also deployed 1,200 solar-powered irrigation pumps, 36 cassava peel conversion machines, and 50 rice husk briquette machines to support year-round productivity and digital extension services.

Source: NAN