The Federal Government in partnership with the USAID on Wednesday launched the $8 million water for agriculture project to deepen farmers and herders access to water in the North East region of the country.
The 3-year project aims to address the identified gaps and needs of the livestock herders and crop farmers in the region, as well as strengthen the resilience of farmers and herders.
Stephen Haykin, USAID Mission Director, speaking in Abuja on Wednesday said that the project would within a short time boost the livelihood of both the crop and livestock farmers in the conflict states.
“Water for agriculture will play a critical role in USAID strategy to develop new sustainable water sources in rural communities where the displaced population are returning,” Haykin said.
“It will also contribute to our promotion of agriculture-led economic growth to improve resilience, nutrition and stronger governance of the water and sanitation sector”, he said.
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Haykin further explained that the project targets at least 4000 smallholder farmers and 50,000 livestock herders by constructing new earth dams and system for crop production and livestock watering.
He said that promoting access to water is critical at this time as farmers’ and herders’ access to water is increasingly threatened by climate change, inadequate investment, destruction of infrastructure, poor management practice and population growth.
Ekramul Kabir, Chief of Party, water for agriculture project, Catholic Relief Service (CRS) in his remark said that the project aims to stimulate adequate and sustainable water supply for food and livestock production.
“The project also aims to enhance the capacity of target communities and local government institutions to manage, operate and maintain water infrastructure and sources,” he noted.
Kabir speaking further said that the project is intended to be driven majorly on four components, including improving access to water for smallholder farmers and livestock herders; strengthening agricultural productivity, and production capability of farmers and herders.
Others include: enhancing the capacity of target communities to mitigate and manage conflicts among farmers and herders.
Sagagi Esmes, representing the minister of agriculture, commended the effort of the development partners saying that the project was in line with the government’s mandate of achieving food security.
“We commend the humanitarian support received so far, and we will remain committed to ensuring sustained growth in the agriculture sector,” he said.
“Also, beyond food security, the government is ready to make agriculture a business which will attract private sector investment as a way to promote national stability.”
