FOOD PROJECTS IN NIGERIA SINCE 2009

FAO in Nigeria has been executing projects since 1976. The major recent projects are summarized below: TCP/NIR/3101 (A) - Strengthening Farm Management Survey and Data Analysis in Support of Agricultural Policy Formulation and Advisory Services (FAMAS). The project, funded by FAO with a budget of USD259,580, was designed to support the Expansion Phase of the National Programme for Food Security by generating data for policy formulation, project planning and farm management extension. The project supports the NPFS activities by upgrading the analysis of farm management data for agricultural policy formulation, improving advisory services, implementing improved methods of data collection, analysis and dissemination, and preparing plans for expansion to all States in the Federation. The support was more directly intended to strengthen the capacity of farm management. Implementation of the FAMAS project commenced in 2008 and was completed in July 2009. TCP/NIR/3201 (E) - Inputs Supply to the Vulnerable Populations under the Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISFP). The Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project, funded by FAO, with a budget of USD 500,000 was approved in July 2008 and implementation commenced in September 2008 following the appointment of the National Project Coordinator. The objective of the project under the FAO's Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISFP) was to assist the vulnerable populations in Nigeria through the supply of farm inputs. The project was implemented in four northern states (Borno, Katsina, Sokoto and Yobe) that were most affected by the sudden seizure of rains in 2007. Beneficiaries were identified; stakeholder and steering committees to ensure good project implementation were set up. Seeds, fertilizer and other required inputs were procured and distributed under the supervision of the steering committees of each project site. The project implementation activities rounded up in July 2009. TCP/NIR/3203 (D) “Sustainable Aquaculture Systems for Nigeria” The TCP-project was approved in October 2008 with a budget of USD 410 000 to finance it. It was aimed at contributing towards improving the food security of the most vulnerable populations. The project covers the services of one retiree expert in aquaculture training and planning, one Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC) expert in aquaculture hatchery and feed, two National Consultants, as well as FAO technical backstopping services from the Aquaculture Management and Conservation Service. It also covers the cost of a contract for the training of farmers as well as materials and equipment, official travel, training as well as direct operating expenses. A National Project Coordinator was appointed by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources to coordinate the implementation activities of the project. Ibadan, Oyo state was chosen by the project Task Force members as the project field hub. Project implementation activities are on-going. TCP/NIR/3102 (D) TCP-Facility i. Development of National Medium Term Priority Framework (NMTPF) This component provided support to the Representation to assist the FMARD to articulate a National Medium Term Priority Framework (NMTPF) that addresses government identified priority areas and is in sync with FAO’s mandate and its Strategic Framework (2000-2015). The NMTPF is used as a guide for prioritizing FAO projects to be implemented in Nigeria. TCP/NIR/3202 (D) TCP-Facility i. TCP/NIR/3202(Component 2): Developing a National Food Crisis Response Programme (NFCRP) for Nigeria. This component was approved with a budget of US$44,000 to assist the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources in developing a comprehensive food crisis response programme that addresses the causes and effects of soaring food prices in Nigeria. A National Consultant was engaged to develop the document. The NFCRP document is a compendium of agricultural and food security projects being undertaken by development and donor agencies in Nigeria. It covers short, medium and long term interventions to ameliorate and safeguard impact of disruptions in the food supply chain in Nigeria. ii. TCP/NIR/3202: Training Assistance for Training of Trainers in Agricultural Enterprise: The FMAWR formally requested FAO for a TCP Facility to execute the above-mentioned training and the request was approved. The TCP Faciltiy assisted in building the training capacity (quality enhancement) in the three identified areas of Agricultural Marketing, Agro-processing and Agricultural Business Management. Training was conducted by 3 National Consultants engaged by FAO under the project to about 150 youths from the 36 states including FCT. The Trained Trainers have formed a core of skilled personnel to train extension agents and provide support to the Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs) in their individual states. iii. TCP/NIR/3202: FAO-Assistance in the Formulation of Bankable Projects in Support of the Jigawa State Irrigation Development Strategy: The Governor of Jigawa state requested for assistance from FAO to support the irrigation development of Jigawa state. A TCP Facility was approved for the support. Project implementation activities fully commenced in September 2009 with the arrival of FAO Technical Expert to backstop for this project. He was accompanied by National Consultant to Jigawa State for the preliminary review of the project. The outcome of the mission was discussed at a wrap up meeting chaired by the FAO Representative inviting official of the Jigawa State Government and the mission team. Feasibility study has been carried out by experts from the National Programme for Food Security and the reports are being collated. iv. TCP/NIR/3202: Formulation of National Activities of the 2nd Phase of the Project “Reduction of Environmental Impact from Tropical Shrimp Trawling through the Introduction of By-catch Reduction Technologies and Change Management” (REBYC II): The Government of Nigeria officially requested for FAO’s assistance to formulate the 2nd phase of the REBYC. A TCP Facility was approved by the HQ for the assistance. The project implementation activities commenced with the arrival of FAO International Consultant in November 2009 and the engagement of a National Consultant to work closely with the Representation and the Federal Department of Fisheries, FMAWR. Report of the project has been finalized and the 2nd phase of the REBYC II will commence soon. Source :http://coin.fao.org/cms/world/nigeria/Projects.html