Taraba: FGN/IFAD-VCDP beneficiaries seek programme sustainability, give reason

Beneficiaries of the Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) Additional Financing have appealed for its sustainability to boost financial independence in Taraba State.

Chairperson of the VCDP Disability Network, Hadiza Idris, Chairman of the VCDP Youth Network, Prince Lawson Yusuf, and Chairperson of the VCDP Women Network, Esther Kenith, disclosed during a training programme on Friday that the initiative has provided more than agricultural support, serving as a lifeline through which many have acquired productive skills, improved their livelihoods, and expanded their economic opportunities.

The training, organised by IFAD-VCDP (Additional Financing) in collaboration with the Taraba State Government for youth, women, and persons with disabilities network groups, was aimed at strengthening beneficiaries’ engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), to achieve the desired sustainability of the programme.

The beneficiary group leaders also stated that the conflict management training provided under the programme has helped bring people of different ethnic backgrounds together, fostering stronger relationships among communities across Taraba State. This is just as they highlighted the benefits of cooperative societies, which they said have enabled them to diversify their income sources, improve their financial standing, and acquire technical skills for different forms of production.

“IFAD-VCDP has provided more than agricultural support,” the beneficiaries testified.

“The VCDP programme is a lifeline through which many people have acquired productive skills, improved their livelihoods and expanded their economic opportunities. We want the government to sustain the programme due to its unprecedented benefits.

“The conflict management training provided by the programme has helped bring people from different ethnic backgrounds together, fostering unity, peaceful coexistence and stronger relationships among communities across the state.

“Through the VCDP programme, we are enjoying the benefits of cooperative societies; it has enabled us to diversify our sources of income, improve our financial standing and acquire technical skills for different forms of production. These interventions have strengthened our economic independence and created opportunities for employment and self-reliance within our communities.”

They commended the Federal Government, the Taraba State Government, and IFAD for supporting beneficiaries to achieve economic self-reliance.

They also called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, and network groups to ensure the programme’s achievements endure beyond its lifespan.

Meanwhile, the State Programme Coordinator (SPC), Irimiya Musa, represented by the Director of Administration, Bulus Maiyaki, said the programme’s impact was evident among beneficiaries.

He noted that the experiences and achievements shared at the training reflected the programme’s contribution to improving livelihoods and strengthening rural institutions.

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Also speaking at the meeting, the Rural Institution, Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Officer for IFAD-VCDP in Taraba State, Altine Nuhu James, highlighted the programme’s achievements and underscored the importance of sustaining its impact through continued engagement and institutional support.

She acknowledged the contributions of government at all levels toward the implementation of the programme across its eight participating local government areas in Taraba State.

James assured that the network groups would continue to build on the knowledge, skills, and opportunities provided by the programme to achieve lasting benefits for their members.