Bauchi: 5,400 small scale farmers set to benefit from African Union Agricultural development programme
From Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI
Over 5,400 Small Scale Farmers in Bauchi state, north East Nigeria have been earmarked to benefit from African Union Development Agency’s intervention scheme , under the New Partnership for African Development (AUDA NEPAD), Program on Agriculture in Bauchi State.
The Bauchi State Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD and Focal Person,Esther Ahmed, said that the AUDA NEPAD program is an Agricultural and Agro- Allied intervention scheme aimed at strengthening the capabilities of small farmers to accelerate the productive level of their land and to combat desertification.
She made the disclosures , in her office in Bauchi, while giving an overview of the program to the newly appointed Local Government desk officers assigned to oversee the intervention.
Ahmed further stated that, the programme seeks promote innovative technology targeted at reducing post harvest losses and also maximize food security amid covid-19 pandemic.
“The AUDA NEPAD program is specifically designed to respond to the medium and long term effect of Covid-19 pandemic on the socioeconomic activities in Bauchi State.
“The program will focused on some selected activities that will be implemented on strong agricultural footing towards sustainable development. The activities will include: drip irrigation farming and other irrigation facilities, green house construction and livestock production/husbandry farming, which will be targeted at women and people living with disability (PLWD).
“Other focus areas of the program are tailored around agricultural equipment and infrastructure, post-harvest storage and processing, capacity building of beneficiaries and other stakeholders”, said the state coordinator.
Speaking on behalf of the 20 LG desk officers, Mallam Aminu Ningi thanked the State coordinator for having the confidence in them and also reassured her that she wont be disappointed.
“We will do everything humanly possible to see to the success of the program. You won’t be disappointed Ma”, said Ningi .
Our correspondent gathered that out of the 5,400 beneficiaries 2,670, representing 55.61 percent are male, while 2,310, representing 46.39 are females.
