AUDA-NEPAD pledges support for smallholder farmers

National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Mr Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, has reaffirmed his commitment towards transforming agriculture across the continent by providing substantial grants to smallholder farmers.

Speaking in Abuja during a high-level meeting with AUDA-NEPAD Coordinators and State Commissioners for Agriculture, Mr Abdullahi highlighted the Agency’s continental efforts in supporting smallholder farmers.

According to him, some of the challenges facing smallholder farmers include limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and market constraints, which continue to hamper their productivity.

He, however, assured that the initiative was designed to tackle these issues directly, ensuring that smallholder farmers survive and thrive.

“This initiative is backed by a substantial grant, reinforcing our shared vision of a food-secure, economically vibrant, and resilient agricultural sector,” Mr Abdullahi stated.

“However, let me be clear—this is not just funding; it is an investment in our farmers and our future. Strict monitoring mechanisms will be in place to ensure full accountability and transparency.”

He stressed that the financial support must result in tangible improvements, such as increased agricultural productivity, enhanced farmer livelihoods, and a strengthened agrarian value chain.

He said this initiative aligns with Agenda 2063 of the African Union and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that smallholder farmers are recognised as key contributors to national development.

Mr Abdullahi emphasised that the meeting was not just about policy discussions but an interactive forum to exchange ideas, address challenges, and assess progress.

“We rely on your inputs, ideas, and recommendations as State Coordinators and Commissioners to ensure the initiative is effectively tailored to the realities on the ground,” he said.