Value Chain Development Project (IFAD/VCDP)

The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) is a joint effort between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which became operational in 2015. The second Additional Financing (AF) phase of the project is expected to conclude in 2025.

The project primarily targets rice and cassava, with the following objectives:

• Strengthening farmer organizations (FOs) by improving their capacity to capitalize on market opportunities and overcome value chain constraints.
• Enhancing rural infrastructure, including roads and water facilities.
• Improving the incomes and food security of poor rural households engaged in the production, processing, and marketing of rice and cassava.

The program is being implemented in seven Local Government Areas: Bida, Wushishi, Katcha, Shiroro, Kontagora, Mokwa, and Borgu. The project is organized into three major components:

1. Agricultural Market Development
2. Smallholder Productivity Enhancement
3. Programme Management and Coordination