In recognition of their outstanding performance, 20 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) in Niger State have received grains processing machines, a gesture facilitated by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) under the Niger State/AGRA consortium project.
The initiative, titled Improving Farmer Resilience and Upscaling Productivity, Income, and Livelihood in Rice, Maize, Soybeans, Cowpea, and Vegetable Value Chains in Niger, aims to enhance the resilience and economic well-being of smallholder farmers.
Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, praised the exceptional performance of the VSLA groups, particularly those dominated by women. “Women-led groups have demonstrated remarkable administrative prowess and efficiency in fund management and group coordination. This recognition is designed to encourage others to follow their exemplary leadership,” he stated.
The project, launched three years ago, has successfully created over 2,000 VSLA groups across the state, mobilizing and monitoring them to ensure effective operations. Ukaoha expressed gratitude to the Niger State Government for fostering an environment conducive to the project’s success.
Speaking at the event, Niger State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Bawa Musa Bosso, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation through job creation for smallholder farmers.
AGRA Programme Officer, Godswill Agwuyi, urged beneficiaries to utilize the machines effectively and to foster the growth of new cooperatives from their existing groups.
Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger State, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, lauded the AGRA/NANTS partnership and encouraged women cooperatives to leverage the governor’s agricultural revolution initiatives.
One beneficiary, Rhoda Tsado of Victory Cooperative, expressed gratitude, stating, “This project has empowered us by enabling our cooperatives to save money, access credit, and improve our livelihoods.”
The VSLA program is part of broader efforts to empower rural communities, especially women, by promoting savings culture and providing access to credit, thereby driving economic growth in rural Niger State.
