By Ajibola Adedoye
In a major push to scale up agricultural productivity and rural enterprise, the Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has invested N666 million across several communities in Anambra State through its Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).
The initiative targets improved production, processing, and marketing of rice and cassava — two key staples driving food security and local agribusiness in the state.
Dr. Deborah Onyefulu, State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, revealed the development during a media tour of Aguata, Orumba North, and Orumba South Local Government Areas. She was represented by the programme’s Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Mr. Henry Anagboso.
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According to Onyefulu, about N316 million was committed to market infrastructure and processing facilities in Aguata LGA, while over N350 million went into rice and cassava processing centres located in Ogboji, Nawfija, Ndiokpalaeze, Omogho, and Ufuma communities.
“All processing centres will be fully equipped with modern facilities upon completion,” Onyefulu said, urging beneficiaries to take ownership of the projects for sustainability.
Local leaders have hailed the intervention as transformative. Mr. Johnpaul Ezenwaka, President-General of Aguluezechukwu Improvement Union, lauded the programme for turning Nkwo Market into a modern trading hub. Similarly, Mr. Chibike Ezeokonkwo, Chairman of Bounty Harvest Cooperative Society, pledged the community’s commitment to safeguarding all new facilities.
During the tour, the VCDP team inspected several ongoing projects — including a cassava processing centre, solar dryer, and crèche facility at Umueze Isuofia, managed by Adabugo Multipurpose Cooperative Society, as well as another cassava site for Emeka Nawfija Cooperative Society in Ohukabia Nawfija.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. Mrs. Chinyere Udogu noted that the facilities were provided at no cost apart from their 10% counterpart contribution, which came in the form of land and labour. Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ada Nwokeabia, described the intervention as “life-changing and a major boost to local food production and women-led agribusiness.”
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