The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a United Nations agency, has sourced $16.36 million (N7.54 billion) to boost Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
The funding is part of the FAO Nigeria Country Programming Framework 2023-2027, a medium-term framework that outlines priorities for the FAO’s work in Nigeria as agreed with the Nigerian government.
According to the FAO, the funding will be used to strengthen the agriculture sector and improve food security in Nigeria. The FAO Nigeria Representative, Fred Kafeero, stated that the signing of the framework with the Federal Government would enhance the existing partnership between the FAO and Nigeria.
The framework outlines four priority areas for the agriculture sector development. The first priority area aims to develop sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems to improve productivity. The second priority area aims to increase the resilience of food and agriculture-based livelihood systems. The third priority area will focus on promoting healthy and nutritious diets, while the fourth will address sustainable natural resource and climate management.
The FAO’s funding of $16.36 million is just a fraction of the required funding for the full implementation of the framework for the five-year period. The total funding required is about $99.5 million (N45.87 billion), leaving a gap of about $83.16 million (N38.3 billion). The UN has expressed its commitment to partner with the Nigerian government and multilateral and unilateral donors to mobilize the additional funding required for the agriculture sector development.
The FAO’s funding of $16.36 million is a positive development for Nigeria’s agriculture sector. The funding will be used to strengthen the agriculture sector and improve food security in the country. The UN’s commitment to mobilize additional funding for the sector development is a welcome development, and it is hoped that the sector will continue to receive the necessary support to drive growth and development.