From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Agricultural Development for Economic Growth Initiative, AgDEG, whose value chain include rice, soyabeans, maize, sesame, cassava and acquaculture with the aim of promoting farmer-led private agricultural extension services for vulnerable groups, as well as small holder farmers have been launched in Benue State.
Speaking at the event held in Makurdi, Founder and Country Director of AgDEG, Joseph Unogwu said the rebirth of the organisation was to fill the sudden vacuum created by the exit of USAID-funded Feed the Future Nigeria Agricultural Extension and Advisory Service Activity project.
He said their departure has left a disturbing void in government’s efforts towards food security in the state and Nigeria, stressing that AgDEG was introduced to continue providing farmers with private extension services.
Unogwu listed the key pillars of AgDEG to include strengthening extension services, promoting digital solutions, climate smart agriculture, collaboration and strategic partnerships, food and nutrition advocacy, as well as capacity building and enterprise development.
Unveiling the initiative, the Managing Director, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Engr Terese Ninga said extension services is an indispensable part of agricultural development, expressing optimism that the initiative would spread knowledge that would enhance productivity, sustainability and livelihoods of farmers.
State Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Peters China promised to partner AgDEG to help farmers adopt high yielding varieties of seeds and modern irrigation practices that would lead to a significant increase in food production.
