Canada’s N20bn RISE project plans to boost Kano’s agro-economy
Kano State is set to benefit from a N20.2 billion (Can$19.2 million) Canadian initiative aimed at strengthening agriculture and empowering women and youth, as part of efforts to boost economic resilience and job creation in Northern Nigeria.
Arewa PUNCH reports that the five-year project, known as the Resilient and Inclusive Agri-food Systems Empowering Women and Youth, will support agribusinesses, smallholder farmers, and cooperatives in Kano, Bauchi, and Kaduna states.
It is expected to create 8,000 jobs while enhancing food security and climate resilience in key agricultural value chains.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the RISE project will be implemented by the Canada-based Mennonite Economic Development Associates in collaboration with Nigerian partners.
He stated that Yusuf, while lauding the initiative, emphasised the importance of climate-smart technology in tackling agricultural challenges such as flooding and desertification.
“Nigeria has bursting potential in its agricultural sector but faces big challenges that included the severe effects of climate change. Supporting the empowerment of women and youth and arming them with climate-smart technology will help Kano advance its development and economic goals.
“I look forward to seeing the RISE project help do this,” Yusuf was quoted to have stated.
Our correspondent further learnt that “the project aligns with Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security, which prioritises economic cooperation, sustainable development, and global peace.
“Under this framework, Canada has committed over Can$869.5 million to development and humanitarian projects across Africa, with Nigeria receiving Can$345 million in the last five years.”
It concluded that “the RISE initiative is expected to significantly impact Kano’s agricultural sector by increasing smallholder farmers’ productivity, strengthening agribusinesses, and addressing challenges such as climate change and market access.”
