By Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi,
The European Union (EU), Germany, and the Federal Government of Nigeria have jointly unveiled an €18.3 million agricultural project designed to strengthen key value chains, promote climate smart farming, and expand economic opportunities across several states in the country.
The initiative, known as the EU-VACE TARED Agriculture Value Chain Facility and Transformative Agricultural Systems for Rural Economic Development will run from 2024 to 2028. It targets the development of cocoa, dairy, feed for dairy (including maize, sorghum, and soya beans), tomato, and ginger value chains.
According to the organisers, the project seeks not only to boost productivity but also to create decent and sustainable jobs, particularly for women and young people.
It will adopt an integrated value chain approach built on innovation, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.
Implemented by the German development agency GIZ, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministries, the programme will cover Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ondo, Oyo, and Plateau States.
The EU explained that the initiative aligns with its Global Gateway Strategy and Germany’s development cooperation priorities with Nigeria, focusing on building a greener and more prosperous agricultural future.
