In a groundbreaking move to revitalize agriculture in Northern Nigeria, the Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD), has pledged a substantial $183.1 million to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across nine states. This initiative, known as the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN), is poised to drive sustainable agricultural development, alleviate poverty, and fortify food security in the region.

The VCN program is designed to introduce an inclusive and sustainable approach to value chain development, acting as a catalyst for rural economic transformation. By focusing on strategic interventions in agriculture, the program aims to enhance productivity, expand market access, and promote climate-resilient farming practices.

During a validation workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, underscored the government’s dedication to tackling insecurity and fostering economic empowerment for farmers in Northern Nigeria. Represented by the Director of Projects Coordination at the Ministry, Mr. Bukar Musa, the Minister emphasized that over 70% of the population in the targeted region lives in extreme poverty, with agriculture as their primary livelihood. “The VCN program is a pivotal step toward addressing food insecurity through climate-adaptive practices and sustainable agricultural expansion,” said Kyari.

The VCN initiative is set to be implemented across Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara states. The program, which will span eight years, aims to uplift approximately 456,000 smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs, ensuring significant representation of marginalized groups—40% women, 60% youth, 10% persons with disabilities, and 5% internally displaced persons (IDPs) returning home. To achieve its objectives, the program will focus on four critical areas: enhancing production and market access, promoting nutrition and food security, strengthening farmers’ cooperatives, and facilitating rural finance access.

The financial breakdown for the initiative includes $86.7 million from IFAD, $78.2 million from AFD, $12 million from the Federal Government, and $8 million from the benefiting states. These investments will not only support direct beneficiaries but also have an indirect impact on over 3.1 million household members. IFAD’s Country Director, Ms. Dede Ekoue, stressed the urgency of launching the initiative, noting that groundwork has already begun to ensure a smooth rollout upon the signing of project documents in August 2025. The program will also align with national priorities, including the Presidential Emergency Declaration on Food Security and the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP).

Ms. Sally Ibrahim, AFD’s Project Manager, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting rural access and agribusiness markets, emphasizing that the VCN initiative will complement existing agricultural development programs. Additionally, FAO Representative Mr. Braimah Tofiq highlighted the necessity of community-driven solutions, advocating for local actors to be central to implementation strategies.

The VCN initiative is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, especially in the North, where farming remains a crucial economic driver. By leveraging collaboration between government agencies, international development partners, and local stakeholders, the program aims to create a resilient agricultural ecosystem that can withstand economic and environmental challenges. As the project inches closer to implementation, all eyes will be on how this massive investment translates into tangible outcomes for the region’s farmers. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for agricultural transformation across Africa, proving that strategic partnerships and targeted interventions can drive sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of millions.