AfDB Supports Food Production In Nigeria With $134 Million
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced a significant investment of $134 million to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
This interesting initiative was revealed by AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina, during his recent visit to the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano.
Speaking, Adesina detailed the bank’s strategy, affirming their commitment to supporting the cultivation of 300,000 hectares of rice and maize, 150,000 hectares of cassava, and 50,000 hectares of soybeans in Nigeria for the upcoming 2024 planting season.
He stressed the importance of adapting to climate change and promoting the growth of drought-resistant crops in dryland areas.
Highlighting the immediate initiatives, Adesina noted: “This March, the AfDB is supporting Nigeria to cultivate 118,000 hectares of heat-tolerant varieties of wheat and another 150,000 hectares of maize.”
He emphasized the importance of providing timely and relevant information to farmers, especially in the face of challenges posed by climate change.
Adesina highlighted the bank’s commitment to promoting technological advancements in agriculture. He stated that the bank will work together with the Centre for Dryland Agriculture to improve its capabilities in weather prediction and data collection, thereby empowering farmers to plan effectively.
Moreover, the President of AfDB praised the efforts of Sagir Adamu-Abbas, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, and Jibrin Mohammed-Jibrin, the Director of CDA, for their support in providing farmers with access to technology despite the adversities of climate change.
In response, Mohammed-Jibrin reaffirmed the CDA’s dedication to research and education in development initiatives, with a particular focus on dryland agriculture.
The significant investment made by the AfDB, along with its focus on technology and climate-resilient crops, represents a major advancement in boosting agricultural productivity in Nigeria, ultimately leading to food security and economic growth in the area.
