The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project has expanded its agricultural sensitization campaign to 46 new communities in Rivers State. This marks a major step in the rollout of the second batch of beneficiaries under the $90 million programme jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The sensitization exercise, conducted between March 25 and April 2, 2025, targets eight local government areas (LGAs) across the state. LIFE-ND officials say the initiative focuses on cassava, poultry, plantain, and aquaculture—products identified as priority value chains for economic empowerment in the region.
According to JD Horsfall, Agribusiness Promotions Officer for LIFE-ND in Rivers, the latest effort builds on an earlier phase that covered 20 communities across five LGAs. The new campaign adds three more LGAs, broadening the program’s reach and reinforcing efforts to stimulate rural entrepreneurship.
Horsfall noted that while turnout was modest due to limited prior notice, every community received educational materials, including posters inviting agro-entrepreneurs to serve as trainers (incubators) and young people and women to join as trainees (incubatees).
The LIFE-ND model is rooted in Nigeria’s traditional master-apprentice system, connecting experienced agro-entrepreneurs with aspiring agribusiness owners. It aims to create sustainable livelihoods, improve food security, and reduce unemployment in rural areas. Community leaders have welcomed the approach, noting its alignment with familiar cultural practices in the South-South and South-East regions.
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The next phase involves validating the facilities of proposed incubators, after which incubatees will be selected and trained.
Launched in 2019, the LIFE-ND project is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), IFAD, and NDDC. It targets 38,250 beneficiaries across nine Niger Delta states, with NDDC funding the programme in Rivers, Imo, and Akwa Ibom following a $5 million initial commitment in October 2024.
The project is structured into two six-year phases over 12 years, aiming to empower at least 4,250 beneficiaries per state in the first phase. While other states have advanced into training and implementation, Rivers and its counterparts are still in the early stages.
The just-concluded sensitization is expected to accelerate the onboarding of new trainers and trainees, pushing forward the mission to transform rural economies through youth- and women-led agribusiness.
