By Kudirat Musa
Abuja – The Fadama III Additional Financing (AF) has contributed a total of 3.69 million metric tons to the National food Basket: cassava 841,054, Rice 1,497,366, Sorghum 184,978 and Tomato 1,497,366 metric tons respectively.
The coordinator, Mr Tayo Adewumi disclosed this in Abuja on Monday at Fadama Special Award to recognise stakeholders and staff, who have distinguished themselves in the performance of their duties and contributed to the success achieved so far in the project.
While delivering the keynote address, Tayo said that the event was organised to celebrate performances, quality leadership achievements and passion for the sustainability development of Fadama legacies.
“Fadama interventions in Nigeria have not only become international success story but are gradually growing into a strong movement for economic development in the country.
“The enduring institutional structural framework of the project and the strength of capacity building in the Fadama system stand very tall among all programmes of poverty alleviation and economic recovery in Africa.
“The initiative has not only brought great relief to many farmers in Nigeria, who has now smiling home with high income, but has made significant contributions to the country’s GDP.
“It is important to note that the activities of the project during 2015 to 2017 have led to the addition of a total of 3.69 million metric tons to the National Food Basket: cassava 841,054, Rice 1,497,366, Sorghum 184,978 and Tomato 1,497,366 metric tons respectively.
“Also, North-East Food Security and Livelihood Emergency Support Project has made significant impact on the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons arising from the insurgency,’’ he said.
The coordinator added that the number of the participating states had increased tremendously due to the efficiency and effectiveness of the stakeholders, staff and all the peoples that had made it possible for the project to succeed.
“The desk evaluation of available data showed that nominal income of beneficiaries has increased by 373 per cent as a result of significant increase in yield, price, improved agronomic practices and capacity building.
“As at date a total of 222.32km of roads have been constructed in Lagos, Anambra, Enugu, Kogi, Kano and 26 irrigation canals.
“The project had within the period under review, carried out land clearing for 760 hectares to support production in 5 states to facilitate the production, transportation and marketing of the four value chain of the project,’’ he said.
In his speech, Dr Adetunji Oredipe, Fadama Task Team Leader for the World Bank, thanked all the Fadama teams, saying that they have proved it with their great effort and for not waiting for the opportunity to come but stepped out to look for them.
Oredipe said that Fadama III AF has continued to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s development objectives and policies in terms of Gross Domestic Product, food security, rural development and employment.
“Specifically, Farmers in the 27 participating states had earned N303 billion from rice, cassava, sorghum and tomato with gross margin of N263 billion since inception of the project.
“This contribution to the rural economy is substantial currently when the Federal Government of Nigeria is revitalising and commercialising agriculture.
“Without doubt, these achievements could not have been realised without exemplary leadership, team spirit and commitments from all the stakeholders,’’ he said.
He congratulated the stakeholders and the identified recipients for the excellent performance.
Oredipe urged them to remain resolute and steadfast towards the achievement of the few remaining indicators and to further surpass what was already achieved. (NAN)
