IFAD-VCDP ASAP grant boosts food security and climate resilience in Niger
By Priscilla Ben
The International Fund for Agricultural Development’s and the Federal Government’s Value Chain Development Programme – Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture (VCDP-ASAP) is delivering impressive results in Niger State, strengthening climate resilience and improving food security for thousands of smallholder farmers.
Operating in Niger and Kogi states, the program emphasizes sustainable agricultural production, value addition, waste management, renewable energy, and better nutrition.
In Niger State alone, 18,710 beneficiaries have received grants, many of whom are investing in expanding dry-season farming. Women’s processing groups are turning agricultural waste into profitable products and creating new income streams.
A visit by the VCDP National Office team to project sites in Bangi (rice farmland), Emiworo Women Cooperative Centre, and Dabarako Cassava Processing Centre showed the tangible impact of the program.
At Bangi in Katcha Local Government Area, farmers have cultivated over 500 hectares of rice, with promising yields expected to boost household and national food security.
Beyond increasing production, the program is fostering innovation in waste management and clean energy.
Rice husk briquette machines and cassava peel conversion units, operated by women beneficiaries, are creating alternative energy sources and reducing environmental damage.
Hadizat Isah, Niger State Program Coordinator for IFAD-VCDP, said the initiative is already showing results, noting, “farmers are increasing productivity, women and youths are empowered, and climate-resilient agricultural systems are being strengthened across Niger State.”
Beneficiaries Mohammed Danjuma and Yahaya Abubakar said before receiving support, their dry-season farm was small and unproductive.
“Now, I have expanded my land, improved my yield, and my family can plan for the future with confidence. The support has strengthened our business and supported our community,” Abubakar stated.
