Nigeria’s Youth and Women as Pillars of Food Sovereignty
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has emphasized the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s young population to achieve food sovereignty. This call to action was made during the 5th Supervision Mission of the Federal Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and IFAD-supported Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project in Benin, Edo State.
Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, highlighted that the organization has invested significantly in this initiative. She explained that the LIFE-ND project focuses on empowering youths and women with practical agricultural and agribusiness skills through a structured training model known as “incubation.” This approach ensures that participants not only gain knowledge but also develop the ability to run their own agricultural businesses.
According to Ekoue, IFAD has invested over $30 million in the project’s first phase, benefiting more than 26,000 individuals. The program is unique in its focus on youth empowerment and job creation within the agricultural sector. She noted that transforming the food system is a critical global topic, and achieving food sovereignty requires fully utilizing the potential of young people in agriculture.
“Youth have the largest population. So, LIFE-ND is aimed at empowering youth with practical skills using a model of business incubation. By the time they go through the incubation process, they come out as business owners. They are able to set up an agric business,” she said.
Ekoue also stressed the importance of linking these agricultural business owners to the market, ensuring that income generation and sales are not issues for them. She added that creating jobs for youths is essential for growth, peace, development, and business expansion.
Empowering Women in Food Production
In addition to focusing on youth, the LIFE-ND project places significant emphasis on women. Ekoue highlighted that women play a crucial role in food production, transformation, and nutrition. She stated that the project aims to support women in becoming key contributors to food sovereignty and proper nutrition.
“Women are key to food production; they are key to food transformation; they are key to food sovereignty; they are key to proper nutrition. This is what LIFE-ND is delivering,” she added.
Assessing Progress and Future Goals
The ongoing supervision of the LIFE-ND project, conducted by an independent team, aims to assess progress, identify challenges, and opportunities for improvement. It also includes developing recommendations for the next phase of the project.
Dr. Abiodun Sanni, National Coordinator of LIFE-ND, provided further details about the project’s reach. He mentioned that the first phase covered six states—Ondo, Edo, Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta—with 26,470 beneficiaries, including youths, women, and persons with disabilities across various value chains. Additionally, 4,380 new beneficiaries are being enrolled in the current phase.
“We are going to add more beneficiaries as more funds come from our sponsors,” Sanni said, reaffirming the project’s alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Commitment to Food Security
Stella Manureh, NDDC representative, emphasized that the LIFE-ND project reflects the Commission’s commitment to food security in the Niger Delta. She stated that the project is a shared effort to improve the lives of Niger Delta residents through food security.
“LIFE-ND project is our shared commitment to improving lives of the Niger Delta people through food security,” she said, adding that IFAD’s continued investment in agriculture has improved the livelihood of the people. She also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in such initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Youth Empowerment: The LIFE-ND project focuses on equipping young people with practical agricultural and agribusiness skills.
- Women’s Role: Women are central to food production, transformation, and nutrition, making them a key target for the project.
- Investment and Reach: IFAD has invested over $30 million, reaching more than 26,000 beneficiaries across six states.
- Future Expansion: Additional beneficiaries will be added as more funding becomes available.
- Food Security: The project aligns with national goals to improve food security and economic development in the Niger Delta.