In a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s agricultural sector against the increasing pressures of climate change and economic instability, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has committed to leveraging a substantial £204 million in private sector finance and investment. This significant pledge, delivered through the Propcom+ programme, signals a renewed effort to transform the nation’s rural economy and empower its most vulnerable farmers.
Adiya Ode, the country representative for Propcom+, made the announcement during a stakeholder meeting in Katsina, underscoring the programme’s ambitious eight-year mandate. “We’re improving the resilience of smallholders and small-scale entrepreneurs to climate change while increasing productivity and incomes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining natural ecosystems,” Ode stated, highlighting the program’s multifaceted approach.
Propcom+, funded by UK Aid, operates as a “market facilitator,” identifying and addressing systemic constraints that hinder rural market growth. This strategy aims to create sustainable, pro-poor, and climate-resilient growth, particularly in regions grappling with conflict and climate-related challenges. As someone who has seen the challenges faced by farmers, I can understand the importance of this market facilitation approach. It’s not just about money, but about creating sustainable systems.
The program’s focus on enhancing climate resilience is particularly pertinent given the escalating environmental pressures faced by Nigerian farmers. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are disrupting traditional farming practices, threatening food security, and exacerbating existing socio-economic vulnerabilities. According to the United Nations, climate change is projected to significantly impact agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, potentially leading to increased food insecurity and poverty. This UK funding aims to directly counter those projections.
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“The programme, which runs from 2023 to 2030, supports climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and forestry that benefits people, the climate and nature,” Ode explained. This long-term commitment reflects a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The initiative targets three primary challenges: low agricultural productivity, conflicts over natural resources, and the pervasive impact of climate change. By increasing productivity, improving nutrition and food security, enhancing climate resilience, reducing emissions, and protecting nature, Propcom+ aims to create a ripple effect that transforms rural economies and improves the livelihoods of millions.
With a target of increasing the incomes and climate resilience of 3.79 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians, with 50 percent being women, the program has the potential to significantly impact the lives of those most in need. This focus on gender inclusivity is crucial, as women play a vital role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, yet often face disproportionate challenges.
Ode further detailed that the program is already active in several states, including Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Gombe, and Adamawa, with Katsina recently added as a beneficiary. A total of £95 million has been earmarked for the program, with the larger goal of leveraging £204 million in private sector finance. This strategic use of public funds to attract private investment is crucial for long-term sustainability.
“It will also help tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, climate-resilient growth in selected rural markets,” Ode emphasized. This connection between agricultural development and conflict mitigation highlights the program’s holistic approach to addressing the root causes of instability.
The implications of this investment extend beyond mere economic gains. By fostering sustainable agricultural practices, Propcom+ aims to protect natural ecosystems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Moreover, by empowering smallholder farmers and SMEs, the program aims to create a more inclusive and resilient rural economy, where people can earn a decent living and break the cycle of poverty.
This investment as a crucial step towards building a more resilient and prosperous future for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. However, the success of Propcom+ will depend on effective implementation, strong partnerships, and the active participation of local communities.
