By HeapNews
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has invested N666 million in agricultural projects across communities in Anambra State to boost local food production and processing.
The disclosure was made by Dr. Deborah Onyefulu, State Programme Coordinator, IFAD-VCDP, during a media tour of Aguata, Orumba North, and Orumba South Local Government Areas. The tour was organised by the Anambra State Coordination Office of the FG/IFAD VCDP.
Onyefulu, represented by Mr. Henry Anagboso, the Knowledge, Management and Communication Officer, said that N316 million of the total investment was channeled into market infrastructure and processing facilities in Aguata LGA.
“We want to assure you that all processing centres will be fully equipped with modern facilities upon completion,” Onyefulu said. “However, we urge the beneficiaries to take ownership of the projects and ensure their proper maintenance for long-term sustainability.”
She added that the programme has executed and is currently implementing rice and cassava processing projects worth over N350 million across Ogboji, Nawfija, Ndiokpalaeze, Omogho, and Ufuma communities in Orumba North and South LGAs.
During the tour, the team inspected key project sites including a cassava processing centre, solar dryer, and crèche facility for the Adabugo Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Umueze Isuofia, and another cassava processing site for the Emeka Nawfija Cooperative Society in Ohukabia Nawfija, Orumba South.
Community leaders and farmers expressed gratitude for the interventions, describing them as transformative for rural livelihoods and local economies.
The President-General of Aguluezechukwu Improvement Union, Mr. Johnpaul Ezenwaka, commended the programme for turning the Nkwo Market in Aguata into a modern trading hub.
“The transformation of our market is a clear sign that government projects can truly work when communities are involved,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. Chibike Ezeokonkwo, Chairman of Bounty Harvest Cooperative Society, pledged to ensure the security and sustainability of the new facilities.
“We will do everything possible to protect these facilities because they are ours,” he stated.
Beneficiaries also highlighted how the initiative is reshaping local agriculture.
“We thank the government for providing these facilities free of charge, aside from our 10 percent counterpart contribution which came through land donation and direct labour,” said Mrs. Chinyere Udogu, a farmer from Nawfija.
Another farmer, Mrs. Ada Nwokeabia, described the project as “life-changing and a major boost to local agricultural production and processing.”
The FG/IFAD VCDP initiative aims to improve the incomes and livelihoods of smallholder farmers by strengthening value chains for rice and cassava production, processing, and marketing in Anambra and other participating states.