Salejo Ali, Kano
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in collaboration with Kano state and other partners have unveiled a project known as Decent livelihoods for small-scale producers delivered through Economic and Resilient food system in Nigeria (Deliver Nigeria Project) in Kano State.
According to the Country Director GAIN Dr Micheal Ojo, DELIVER Nigeria Project is determined to reduce post-harvest losses of up to 40% in the Nigerian vegetable production chain.
He said, the project will improve farmers’ capacity to cope with climate risks, Enhance financial management skills and Link farmers to profitable markets.
He noted that, the constraints Posed by low productivity, limited infrastructure, and insufficient access to
Financial resources are exacerbated by post-harvest losses in the vegetable sector, accounting to 40%, expressing the believe that, the project will address such trends for positive impacts.
He said, “through the DELIVER NigeriaProject, we aim to not only reduce these losses but also strengthen farmers’ capacity to cope with climate risks, improve their financial management skills, and link them to profitable markets.”
Ojo explained that, the success of the project will hinge on meaningful Partnerships with public and stakeholders in the private sector.
“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with all of you to create sustainable impact that will outlast this project’s lifespan.”
Ojo noted that the project is funded by the Dutch government through the Accelerating Resilient Food Systems in Africa (ARFSA) and implemented by GAIN in collaboration with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT) and Wageningen University and Research (WUR).
“GAIN, a Swiss-based foundation, aims to transform food systems to make healthier diets accessible to all, especially those vulnerable to shocks. “
“By 2027, GAIN hopes to improve access to nutritionally enhanced staple foods for 1.5 billion people and support nature-positive food system transformation across countries.”
The Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture Alhaji Danjuma Mahmud, represented by Director Agro Services, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji, emphasized the state government’s determination to partner with donor agencies to address post-harvest losses and other agricultural challenges.
He said, “we are fully aware that Agricultural sector faces many challenges—that range from low productivity and post-harvest losses to limited market access and inadequate financial services. These issues not only affect the growth of our agricultural sector but also limit the potential of our farmers, particularly smallholders.”
He commended the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) for its commitment to the project.
In their separate remarks Commissioners of Budget and Planning,Women Affairs represented by Director Support Coordination Sadiq M Sadiq and Director Research and Statistics Yakubu Mohammad pledged to accord all the needed support with the aim of achieving the stated goals .
The Flagg off ceremony was attended by stakeholders from the Agricultural Value Chain in the State.
It is expected that, with the Flagg Off of the Deliver Nigeria Program A Brighter Future for Nigerian Farmers in on the way.