FG, IFAD launch strategic learning route on commodity alliance forum under SAPZ

In a step toward accelerating Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, the Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched a strategic learning route on the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program.

Held in Benue State, the initiative brings together key actors across the agricultural value chain—farmer groups, agro-investors, development partners, and government officials, for a high-impact knowledge-sharing experience.

The event is anchored on the 4Ps model, which emphasizes partnerships among the Public, Private sector, and Producers, aimed at driving inclusive agri-business growth.

The learning route is being hosted under the Value Chain Development Program (VCDP), with Benue serving as the model state due to its impressive implementation of the CAF framework.

Organizers say the goal is to extract key lessons from Benue’s approach and apply them across the country as part of the SAPZ rollout.

Mr. Emmanuel Igbaukum, the State Project Coordinator, warmly welcomed the participants, noting that Benue’s role as Nigeria’s ‘food basket’ positions it as a fitting hub for agricultural learning and innovation.

“We believe our journey and achievements in implementing the CAF model will serve as a practical reference point for other states,” he stated.

Representing the National Program Coordinator for SAPZ, the National Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist, Shehu Babangida, while delivering the keynote address, commended Benue’s leadership in CAF execution, stating that the state has become a beacon of success in demonstrating public-private-producer collaboration.

“Benue has distinguished itself as one of the top-performing states in implementing CAF principles,” Babangida said.

“This visit is a strategic opportunity for others to learn from Benue’s practical innovations and inclusive agri-business approach”, he noted.

While the SAPZ program will adopt a broader focus, officials say it will integrate the CAF model under a new name: the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF). This evolution is intended to reflect SAPZ’s expansive scope while preserving the core values of stakeholder collaboration.

Dr. Unoja Ameh, head of the Country Program Advisory Team, described the learning route as a vital tool for knowledge adaptation and policy evolution.

“Field-based learning and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange are essential if we aim to build scalable and sustainable agricultural programs,” he remarked.

The learning route aims to achieve several strategic objectives, including strengthening the 4Ps model across development initiatives, improving access to agricultural inputs, markets, finance, and extension services, and fostering inclusive development through gender and youth engagement.

Participants will take part in field visits, practical demonstrations, and collaborative planning sessions designed to promote innovation, address implementation challenges, and reinforce stakeholder synergy.

On the day-2, the learning route team members were in the field for peer learning at Gwe East LGA in benue state.

The forum is also expected to highlight best practices in linking smallholder farmers to markets and unlocking value through agro-industrial processing, an area of increasing focus as Nigeria intensifies its economic diversification efforts.

Over the coming days, stakeholders will engage in deep learning experiences that reflect the vision of a modern, productive, and inclusive agricultural sector, built on real partnerships and field-tested models.

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE