In a bid to improve the livelihoods of rural youth and women through sustainable agricultural development, food security and  job creation across the Niger Delta, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has initiated a joint supervision mission for the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian Government, IFAD, NDDC, and State Governments within the Niger Delta.

The LIFE-ND Project aims to enhance income, food security, and job creation for rural youth and women by developing sustainable agri-enterprises across nine Niger Delta States: Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Ondo (financed by IFAD), and Akwa-Ibom, Imo, and Rivers (financed by NDDC).

During the inception workshop for the LIFE-ND supervision mission, IFAD Country Director Mrs. Dede Ekoue emphasized the mission’s goal to support LIFE-ND in p\omoting youth and women agribusinesses, food security, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta’s agri-food sector. According to her,  Stakeholders will assess progress since the Mid-Term Review (MTR) and devise strategies to enhance the value delivered to youth and women agribusinesses and the communities served by the project.

Ms. Mounet Sadiku from the Federal Ministry of Finance stated that LIFE-ND is a crucial part of Nigeria’s strategy to address unemployment, boost food security, and unlock the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta. The mission’s primary objective is to evaluate implementation progress and achievements according to the project’s logical framework post-MTR. Sadiku highlighted the mission’s role in identifying and addressing obstacles hindering project progress, aiming for actionable solutions to ensure smoother implementation.

She also mentioned that the Ministry of Finance is collaborating with IFAD to secure additional funding to further support farmers and expand LIFE-ND’s positive impact.

Dr. Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, expressed optimism that the mission would demonstrate the project’s significant contributions to food security, job creation, and wealth generation over the past five years. He hopes the mission will be impressed with LIFE-ND’s achievements.

Bukar Musa, Director of the Project Coordinating Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, noted that supervision missions are a crucial part of any project lifecycle, designed to evaluate progress and conduct mid-term reviews.

The LIFE-ND project aims to reach 900 mature enterprises (incubators) and mentor 38,250 apprentices (25,000 in IFAD states and 12,750 in NDDC states) to engage in agribusiness. The project targets equal participation of men and women and focuses on seven key commodities: rice, cassava, plantain, oil palm, cocoa, poultry, and fishery (aquaculture and artisanal).

Overall, LIFE-ND has exceeded its target, reaching 26,470 smallholder farmers against a target of 25,500, achieving 103% of its goal. Increased profits from product sales have led to higher incomes for farmers, allowing them to acquire additional household assets, as confirmed by 52.4% of outcome survey respondents.