By Ify Onyekwere
The Nigerian government, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), have commenced the annual review of the “Country Strategic Opportunities Programme” (COSOP), for the period, 2024–2029. The review, which took place in Abuja on December 19, 2024, brought together key public and private sector stakeholders to evaluate the advancements in boosting rural economic development, enhancing food security, and building agricultural resilience while setting a course for future inclusive growth.
The COSOP framework, a cooperation strategy between IFAD and the Nigerian government, focuses on strengthening rural economies by transforming agri-food systems through market-driven approaches. Approved by the IFAD Executive Board in April 2024, the programme targets 1.2 million beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, rural entrepreneurs, women, youth, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Mrs Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s agricultural priorities and aims to achieve sustainable agricultural practices, climate resilience, and enhanced market access for rural farmers.
Mrs Ekoue highlighted COSOP’s achievements so far, including training on good practices, technology adoption, and climate-resilient farming methods. She noted that over 74,000 farmers and agro-entrepreneurs have benefited from improved production capacity, training, and input access. Additionally, 24,000 women, youths, and startups have been supported in income-generating activities, while over 30,000 hectares of land have been made accessible to vulnerable groups, addressing critical barriers to agricultural productivity.
Digital innovation, a key feature of the 2024–2029 COSOP, will be scaled up to align with the National Agricultural and Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP). The initiative also aims to shift from gender mainstreaming to gender transformation, empowering women and ensuring equality in leadership roles within the agricultural sector.
COSOP’s success is underpinned by partnerships at all levels, with ongoing IFAD-funded programmes such as the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ). A new programme, the Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN), is expected to launch in 2025.
Mr. Bukar Musa, Director of the Projects Coordinating Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, lauded COSOP as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. “Through this partnership, we are reaching underserved rural communities, empowering vulnerable populations, and fostering resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change and insecurity,” Musa said.
The COSOP framework continues to align with Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), promoting inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and food system transformation. With its focus on building resilient rural economies, COSOP stands as a pivotal initiative for reducing rural poverty and securing a sustainable agricultural future.
Other stakeholders shared their contributions and suggestions, which were acknowledged, and appropriate responses were provided by the members of the high table.
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