US announces ​$22m project to improve cocoa value chain in Nigeria

US announces ​$22m project to improve cocoa value chain in Nigeria

To boost the cocoa value chain in Nigeria, the United States and Lutheran World Relief have collaborated.

The Food for Progress program, which will cost $22 million and be implemented over the next five years, is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to a statement released on Friday, 68,000 farmers in the states of Abia, Cross River, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, and Osun will profit.

Both farmers in high density, high productivity groups and those in low production but very potential areas will be the focus of the initiative.

The goal is to use climate wise agriculture practices to boost cocoa productivity.

Additionally, the initiative will promote enhanced post-harvest processing, export markets, technical resources, and capacity access.

Gerald Smith, the U.S. Mission Nigeria’s Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, presented a preview of everything to come.

According to Smith, the project will use a strategy that enables farmers to increase their cocoa production while preserving the fertility and biodiversity of the soil.

The Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service provides assistance to American and Nigerian agribusiness firms, as well as to governmental and non-governmental organizations.

By giving developing nations opportunity to expand their capabilities, the goal is to assist them in strengthening sustainable agriculture practices.

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