The Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have launched a high-impact agricultural training initiative designed to combat food insecurity and uplift rural economies.
Held at the Delta Songhai Farm in Amukpe, Sapele, the five-day intensive program brought together farmers and agricultural supervisors from Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States. Titled “Innovative Agricultural Systems, Agribusiness, and Climate-Smart Aquaculture,” the training is a core component of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), a transformative project leveraging scientific innovations to boost agribusiness.
With Nigeria’s rising food inflation and reliance on imports, the LIFE-ND project is a critical intervention. The program focuses on high-demand sectors: rice, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry, and fishery production—key drivers of Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
Dr. Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, emphasized the initiative’s scalability. “NDDC is a key partner in this IFAD-backed project, which has already impacted thousands in Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Ondo. Now, we’re expanding to Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers—targeting 12,750 beneficiaries,” he revealed.
Mr. Frank Oputu-Tonye, NDDC’s Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, underscored the commission’s long-term commitment: “We’re merging traditional farming with cutting-edge technology to create jobs, reduce poverty, and make the Niger Delta Nigeria’s next breadbasket.”
Participants left the training with actionable strategies to modernize local farming practices. Many pledged to train fellow farmers, ensuring the ripple effect reaches the most remote communities.
Aligned with Nigeria’s national agricultural strategy, LIFE-ND is a blueprint for economic diversification, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the project signals a new era for Niger Delta agribusiness.
As food security becomes a global priority, initiatives like LIFE-ND prove that collaboration between government, development agencies, and local farmers can turn challenges into opportunities. Will this be the model that finally transforms Nigeria’s agricultural sector?
