UN Announces USD 83.16 Mn Mobilization to Boost Nigeria's Agri Sector

To support the development of Nigeria's agriculture sector from 2023 to 2027, the United Nations plans to collaborate with the federal and state governments, as well as multilateral and unilateral donors to raise USD 83.16m (equivalent to N38.3bn at the official exchange rate of N461/USD).

The Food and Agriculture Organization, a branch of the UN, has already secured approximately USD 16.36m (equivalent to N7.54bn) for the project, as stated in the FAO Nigeria Country Programming Framework 2023-2027, which was obtained on Friday from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abuja.

The FAO's work in Nigeria is guided by the CPF, a framework that outlines priorities for the agency's involvement in agreement with the Nigerian government. This framework is in line with Nigeria's agricultural, food security, and national development goals, as well as the UN system's response to national development priorities.

According to a report, the total funding required for the framework's complete implementation over five years is approximately USD 99.5m (N45.87bn), while the available resources currently amount to USD 16.36m (N7.54bn), leaving a gap of around USD 83.16m (N38.3bn). The UN has stated that this funding gap will be addressed through partnerships with multilateral and unilateral donors, including federal and state governments, to mobilize resources.

The Nigeria Country Partnership Framework (CPF) has been categorized into four priority areas, according to a recent statement. The statement also disclosed that the total amount required to fund these areas are USD 13.96m, $60.1m, USD 7.4m, and USD 18.11m, respectively.

The first priority area aims to establish sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems to improve productivity. The second area intends to enhance the resilience of food and agriculture-based livelihood systems. The third and fourth areas focus on healthy and nutritious diets, as well as sustainable natural resources and climate management, respectively.

The report specified that the first priority area's objectives include strengthening value chain analysis capabilities and upgrading priority commodity value chains. The goals also include improving productivity in livestock, fisheries, and select crop and forest value chains, as well as building strong digital agriculture capabilities to boost market opportunities and productivity.

Fred Kafeero, the FAO Nigeria Representative, expressed his belief that the partnership with the Federal Government would boost collaboration and enhance their existing partnership through defined programming and the provision of technical support.