FGN/IFAD-VCDP supports 1,000 PWDs in agribusiness
Support
By Joy Akinsanya
Abuja, Dec. 11, 2025 (NAN) The Federal Government’s International Fund for Agricultural Development Value Chain Development Programme (FG/IFAD-VCDP) says it has supported over 1,000 persons with disabilities through its agribusiness initiatives.
Dr Fatima Aliyu, the National Programme Coordinator of VCDP, revealed this at a media roundtable on Thursday in Abuja.
She explained that the programme had profiled 3,000 persons living with disabilities across nine beneficiary states, out of which 1,000 have received support so far.
According to her, the states benefiting from the programme include Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Enugu and Taraba.
“Rather than remaining on the streets begging, this project has profiled, trained and empowered persons with disabilities to become millionaires through agriculture.
“The programme emphasises on inclusivity, which is why women and youths are also prioritised beneficiaries of this initiative,” she said.
Beyond supporting farmers and vulnerable groups, Aliyu said VCDP has strengthened the capacity of financial institutions to better understand its processes and facilitate easier access to loans for smallholder farmers.
“VCDP builds the capacity of financial institutions to respond effectively to farmers’ financial needs.
“This ensures that our farmers, especially smallholder peasants, can access loans without unnecessary bottlenecks,” she said.
Aliyu noted that VCDP has been proactive in mitigating climate change impacts by promoting climate-smart technologies and improving farmers’ access to weather information.
“The programme has also introduced agricultural insurance to beneficiaries to help them understand its importance amid rising risks due to climate change,” she said.
Aliyu said the programme collaborates closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) to provide timely weather forecasts, enabling farmers to plan their activities better, reduce losses and improve productivity.
Highlighting VCDP’s achievements, Aliyu stated that thousands of smallholder farmers engaging in rice and cassava value chains have received support through inputs, training, market linkages, processing equipment, rural infrastructure and inclusion-focused interventions.
She reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women, youths, and persons with disabilities, while ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods across the participating states.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the media roundtable featured journalists from some of the VCDP participating states. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IOJ/YAF
=======
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase