The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources has commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development–Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) for significantly boosting agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods across the state.
The commendation was delivered by the Committee Chairman, Onyebuchi Ogbadu, during an official oversight visit to the IFAD-VCDP State Office in Abakaliki.
Ogbadu highlighted the long-term dedication of the State Programme Coordinator, Sunday Ituma, noting that IFAD-VCDP has strengthened agricultural value chains, expanded market access for local produce, and directly benefited farmers across all constituencies.
He explained that the oversight visit aimed to evaluate the programme’s performance over the past year, assess key milestones, and address operational challenges.
Reaffirming the Assembly’s support, Ogbadu pledged that the legislature will continue to back policies and laws that drive sustainable rural development and agricultural growth in Ebonyi State.
Presenting the progress report, Ituma stated that the core objective of the programme is to enhance food security and guarantee sustainable incomes for poor rural households involved in the production, processing, and marketing of rice and cassava.
Ituma revealed that the initiative spans eight Local Government Areas across Ebonyi’s three senatorial zones, with 23,163 profiled farmers. As of December 31, 2025, a total of 18,083 beneficiaries have received direct support.
READ ALSO: Ebonyi PDP Governorship Candidate Promises Housing, Pension Reforms For Workers
He confirmed that all components outlined in the programme’s operational manual and budget have been fully executed.
Some of the achievements include the construction of market facilities, rural access roads, culverts, and mini-bridges. Water & Sanitation: Installation of solar-powered boreholes, irrigation networks, and sanitary facilities; the establishment of modern processing centres and a state-of-the-art seed laboratory.
Others include setting up farmers’ fields and business schools, land clearing initiatives, and distribution of subsidised farm inputs—including fertilisers, agrochemicals, and high-yield seeds.
To safeguard these achievements beyond the project’s lifespan, Ituma appealed to the House of Assembly to enact legislation transitioning IFAD-VCDP into a permanent State Government agency.
The House Committee members—including Abiri Abiri, Steve Igwe, Chinyere Nwogbaga, Victor Nwoke, and Arinze Chukwu—praised IFAD’s interventions for enhancing food sovereignty and transforming Ebonyi’s agricultural landscape.
They urged the management team to expand coverage to the remaining local government areas, so more farming communities can benefit.
Delivering the vote of thanks, IFAD Agricultural Production Officer Ongele Darlington expressed gratitude to the lawmakers, describing the oversight visit as both timely and essential for continuous institutional synergy.
