VCDP exit: Niger SPC urges CAF to close ranks, sustain farmers’ gains

The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Niger, managed by the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is set to conclude its operations. Hajiya Hadizat Isah, the Niger State Programme Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) maintaining unity and collaboration to preserve the successes achieved through the program.

She stressed that VCDP's withdrawal should not signal the end of support for smallholder farmers, and urged CAF members to prioritize strengthening their cooperation and coordination before reaching out to other organizations.

Isah highlighted the necessity for regular meetings between CAF executives and members to discuss challenges, create partnerships and coordinate activities efficiently. She pointed out that without frequent communication, collaboration would be impossible.

The coordinator also expressed worry about the insufficient use of the processing and aggregation centers established by the VCDP. She called on CAF members to engage local government chairmen to explore productive uses for these facilities. Additionally, Isah advocated for the knowledge and skills gained through VCDP to be extended beyond the program's conclusion, ensuring the benefits reach a broader audience.

Meanwhile, the CAF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Agricultural Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN). The partnership aims to strengthen the agricultural support network created through VCDP by bringing together financial institutions, off-takers, input suppliers, and other value-chain actors to sustain the investments and consolidate the gains achieved under VCDP.

Engr. Ibrahim Mohammed Kanko, the Chairman of Niger State CAF, emphasized that the MOU would enhance farmers' access to training, inputs, and finance. He stressed the importance of maintaining farmers' access to training, inputs, and finance, which will benefit smallholder farmers in terms of training, access to input, access to finance, and other benefits.

Business and Marketing Development Officer of VCDP, Mrs. Elizabeth Yisa, stated that the agreement would also bolster relationships between farmers and off-takers, reducing potential conflicts arising from contractual arrangements. Off-takers supply inputs to farmers under agreed terms, while farmers supply commodities such as cassava and rice, necessitating both parties to fulfill their obligations.

Stakeholders encouraged farmers to repay loans and boost production, particularly in cassava, and urged more off-takers to establish stronger markets for agricultural produce. They noted that while rice production had increased, farmers needed to move forward with cassava processing by adding value, instead of solely relying on traditional products like garri and fufu.