The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development under the Value Chain Development Programme, has distributed agro-produce processing equipment worth N310 million to youths and women in Anambra State.
The items were presented to 20 newly trained fabricators and cooperatives by the Anambra State Project Coordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, Mrs Deborah Onyefulu, during a ceremony held in Awka on Wednesday.
Onyefulu stated that the distribution is the second tranche of the programme’s empowerment initiative in the state, which is aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing livelihoods.
The start-up packs for the trained youths in welding and fabrication included standby generators, starter and welding machines, inverter welding machines, filing and drilling machines, container bodies, angle machines, tool sets and grinding machines.
Also, complete sets of cassava processing equipment valued at N100 million were also distributed to women cooperatives under a 70 percent to 30 percent cost-sharing arrangement, while creche materials worth N30 million were provided to support nursing mothers during processing activities.
The 20 youth beneficiaries, comprising 18 males and two females, were selected from the nine local government areas where the FGN/IFAD/VCDP is being implemented in Anambra.
She commended the trainees for their commitment and successful completion of the programme, urging them to deploy the skills and equipment to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community development.
“A monitoring and mentorship team had been constituted to ensure optimal utilization of the equipment and sustained impact of the intervention.
She also appreciated the Anambra State Government for providing an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the programme,” she added.
Dr. Foster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture, who inaugurated the distribution, commended the VCDP for the intervention, noting that it aligned with the agricultural transformation agenda of the Soludo administration.
He said the processing equipment for garri, rice and vegetables would help reduce post-harvest losses and contribute to lowering food prices.
Ihejiofor urged the beneficiaries “to apply their improved skills and modern equipment to boost productivity, stimulate healthy competition and make food more affordable in the state”.
Ms. Rose Machi from Ayamelum Local Government Area, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to VCDP and the Anambra State Government, pledging to make judicious use of the training and equipment.
Similarly, Mr. Chinecherem Ibe from Orumba said the support would enable him not only to practice his acquired skills but also to train others in his community.
The Value Chain Development Programme represents a partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development aimed at improving agricultural productivity and creating economic opportunities for youths and women in rural communities across Nigeria.