The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and German Development Cooperation (GIZ) have reinforced their dedication to advancing gender equality and climate-conscious farming practices in Nigeria by offering tailored funding solutions for women, young people, and small-scale farmers.
Stakeholders convened at a premier Validation Workshop in Abuja to develop a revolutionary financing framework to provide fair access to agricultural resources.
The framework developed by GIZ and NADF goes beyond traditional lending systems by emphasising integrated support through risk-sharing tactics, digital tools, extension services, advisory help, and mechanisation.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, hailed the initiative as more than a policy blueprint.
“This is not just documentation; it’s a reflection of our resolve to build resilience, inclusivity, and prosperity in Nigeria’s food systems,” he said.
Highlighting a flagship mechanisation programme, Kyari announced the rollout of 2,000 John Deere tractors in the first phase, with a goal of 10,000 over five years.
He emphasised equitable distribution, particularly for women, youth, and small-scale farmers, and called for digital platforms to broaden access to financial services.
“We must innovate beyond traditional tools. Financial literacy and digital solutions can deliver custom-fit products to underserved groups,” he said.
NADF’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, noted the initiative’s inclusive vision.
“Our goal is ambitious but clear: to deploy financing that reaches every Nigerian farmer, regardless of location or circumstance,” he said.
He urged interested parties to investigate novel delivery methods, like combining financing, insurance, and mechanisation into “pay-as-you-plant” packages and providing microloans via mobile wallets, particularly to women.
According to him, the program is in line with continental initiatives such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2026–2035 and the Kampala Declaration, which place a higher priority on empowering women and youth, increasing intra-African trade, decreasing post-harvest losses, and increasing productivity.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised women’s role in our food systems.
Source: The Nation
Image Credit: NAN
