AfDB Backs Nigeria’s Agriculture with $134 Million Investment
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced its support for Nigeria’s agriculture sector, specifically targeting the cultivation of rice, maize, cassava, and soybeans to boost food production. AfDB President Akinwunmi Adesina made this known after visiting the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano.
Adesina revealed that the bank would provide $134 million to support Nigeria in cultivating 300,000 hectares each of rice and maize, 150,000 hectares of cassava, and 50,000 hectares of soybeans during the 2024 planting season. Additionally, in March, the AfDB is supporting Nigeria to cultivate 118,000 hectares of heat-tolerant wheat varieties and another 150,000 hectares of maize.
He emphasized the need for African agriculture to adapt to climate change, highlighting the importance of using water more efficiently, especially in cultivating dryland crops that are more resilient to climate variability.
The AfDB’s support will also extend to providing grants for the CDA and collaborating with it to become a centre for weather pattern prediction and information gathering, enabling farmers to plan effectively. Adesina further mentioned plans to support youth in developing their agricultural business ideas with a $20,000 grant through ‘Agri Pitch’ and ‘Agri Hacking’ initiatives.
The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Sagir Adamu-Abbas, and the Director of CDA were commended by Adesina for their efforts in assisting farmers with access to technology in combating climate change.
The CDA, established in 2012 with support from the World Bank, focuses on research and teaching in development initiatives, particularly in dryland agriculture. It serves as a regional training hub for West and Central Africa, aiming to improve livelihoods, resilience, and sustainable use of natural resources in African drylands through training and research.
Daily Nigerian
