The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has trained over 600 farmers across five local government areas in Benue State on budgeting, goal setting, savings, credit use, insurance, and modern farming techniques.
Dr. Emmanuel Igbaukum, State Coordinator of the FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), revealed this during a presentation titled “The Benue Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) Models of Achievements.” He noted that farmers in Agatu, Gwer-West, Guma, Gwer-East, and Kwande LGAs were beneficiaries of the training.
The initiative, supported by Winichfarms and Sterling Bank, also aims to improve farmers’ access to credit, markets, inputs, and infrastructure, while promoting financial literacy and digital tools. It further seeks to foster dialogue between public and private actors in the agricultural sector.
The event, held in Makurdi, was part of a learning visit organized by the National Coordination Office of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) and drew participants from Kano State.
National Coordinator Dr. Fatima Aliyu, represented by Rural Development Specialist Abel Ameh, urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained to others. She commended Benue State’s agriculture ministry and project coordinators for their innovations in agro-business.
