A new project implemented by IITA and funded by The Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria has been introduced. The Youth in Agribusiness program, which is specifically designed to cater to the needs of these crucial demographics within the agricultural sector, was launched in October 2023.
Among the agricultural priorities of the Dutch government’s multi-annual country strategy (MACS) is the objective to assist Nigeria in diversifying its economic growth and job creation via a sustainable and inclusive agri-food sector. This is where the YAS project contributes to the Netherlands government’s strategy for sustainable food systems and nutrition security to reach SDG2 goals by 2030.
Targeting 10,000 youths between the ages of 18 and 35, with a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity (40-50% women), the initiative is set to establish four Innovative Agribusiness Hubs across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, Oyo, and Ogun states. The overarching goal is to foster the development of sustainable agribusiness enterprises by leveraging innovative, climate-smart technologies and adopting business practices that enhance both income and productivity. Through this program, we aspire to not only empower the youth and women in agribusiness but also to improve their access to markets, thereby contributing to the overall growth and resilience of the agricultural sector.
The launch aimed at creating an avenue for key actors in the food systems sphere to explore areas of alignment and collaboration, and providing an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the contributions of rural women and youth in ensuring the sustainability of food systems.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl