Cross River State is poised for a significant agricultural transformation as about five thousand farmers are set to benefit from a joint initiative by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and supporting partners.
The project, aimed at enhancing cocoa and oil palm cultivation, has earmarked $50 million for implementation in the state.
The initiative, facilitated under the Global Environment Facility (GEF), will span three years and is expected to revitalize cocoa and oil palm production in the region.
Mr. Ogisi Excel, the Knowledge Management and Communications Officer of the programme, unveiled these details during a one-day workshop held in Calabar, where project partners convened to announce the commencement of activities.
Highlighting the scope of the project, Mr. Excel emphasized that 5,000 farmers in Cross River State, with 50% of them being women and youths, will directly benefit from the intervention.
The selection of Cross River State and another Niger Delta state for the project is attributed to the density of their tropical forests, landscapes, and valuable ecosystems.
“The projects are funded by the World Bank through the Global Environment Facility. FAO, as the official partner of GEF in Nigeria, is overseeing the execution, focusing on regenerating cocoa plantations, palm fruit cultivation, and creating alternative livelihoods and agricultural programs for forest communities in selected local government areas,” explained Mr. Excel.
While the initial funding stands at $5 million from the World Bank, the project anticipates accumulating financial involvement up to $50 million through co-financing arrangements. Importantly, funds will be disbursed directly to beneficiaries, bypassing middlemen, to ensure effective utilization.
Prof. Oladapo Adeyemi, the national project coordinator, emphasized that the project’s objective is to transform cocoa and oil palm production systems and landscapes towards sustainability and resilience, delivering multiple environmental and social benefits.
With the launch of this ambitious initiative, Cross River State anticipates a revitalized agricultural sector, enhanced livelihoods for farmers, and sustainable economic growth in the region.
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