Kebbi and Niger States to Lead Agricultural Sustainability Project with $7.8M GEF Funding
Kebbi and Niger States have been selected to spearhead agricultural sustainability initiatives in Nigeria, aimed at transforming the nation’s food systems towards greater sustainability and resilience. This initiative, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will receive $7.8 million in funding over the next five years (2025-2030). The project, titled “Transformation to Sustainable Crops, Livestock, and Aquaculture Food Systems in Nigeria,” focuses on creating pollution-free, regenerative, and nature-positive food systems.
The programme is a collaborative effort led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in partnership with the Nigerian government. It targets sustainable agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture production in the Niger-Benue River basins, focusing on crops like maize and rice.
During the inauguration of the GEF 8 Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP) workshop, Dominique Koffy Kouacou, FAO’s representative ad interim in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, emphasized FAO’s commitment to addressing the complex challenges at the intersection of environment, agriculture, forestry, and marine and freshwater resources. Kouacou urged stakeholders to actively contribute to the project.
Dr. Iziak Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, highlighted the project’s alignment with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022-2027. He emphasized the importance of collective action in ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity.
Commissioners Shehu Muazu of Kebbi State and Ibrahim Mami of Niger State welcomed the project, pledging their support for its success.
