March 13, (THEWILL) – Kano State is set to benefit from a major Canadian initiative which aims to strengthen agriculture and empower women and youth in Northern Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Dawakin Tofa said the resilient and inclusive Agri-Food Systems Empowering Women and Youth (RISE) project would support agribusinesses, smallholder farmers, and cooperatives in the states of Kano, Bauchi, and Kaduna, fostering economic resilience and job creation.
“With a budget of over N20.2 billion (CA$19.2 million), the five-year project will enhance food security, boost productivity, and equip women- and youth-led enterprises with the skills and resources needed to thrive in agriculture”, he said.
Implemented by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) of Canada in collaboration with Nigerian partners, the governor’s spokesperson said the initiative would also create 8,000 jobs and improve climate resilience in key agricultural value chains.
Speaking on the significance of the project, Governor Yusuf emphasised the critical role of climate-smart technology in transforming agriculture in Kano State.
“Nigeria has bursting potential in its agricultural sector but faces big challenges, including the severe effects of climate change like flooding and desertification.
“Supporting the empowerment of women and youth and arming them with climate-smart technology will help Kano advance its development and economic goals. I look forward to seeing the RISE project help do this”, he said.
The statement further said that the RISE project aligned with Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security, which focused on economic cooperation, sustainable development and global peace.
“Under this strategy, Canada has committed over $869.5 million to development and humanitarian projects across Africa, with Nigeria receiving CA$345 million in the last five years
“This initiative is expected to significantly impact Kano’s agricultural sector by increasing smallholder farmers’ productivity, strengthening agribusinesses, and addressing key challenges such as climate change and market access”, it added.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
