By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
In an effort to empower local poultry farmers and boost the agricultural sector, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has implemented the Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme.
Under this scheme, NALDA recently distributed feeds, broiler chicks, and battery cages to 203 poultry farmers in Lagos State. The initiative aims to engage farmers, reduce the importation of frozen chicken, protect foreign exchange, and strengthen the economy. This article explores the objectives, strategies, and impact of the NALDA Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme.
The NALDA Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to empower the less privileged and create opportunities for economic growth. The scheme provides comprehensive support to poultry farmers, including broiler chicks, feeds, battery cages, and capacity building through training on broiler rearing. The distribution exercise took place at Ijaiye Housing Estate, Agege, Lagos, and was carried out over a two-day period.
The primary objective of the NALDA Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme is to empower individuals, particularly women and youth, by engaging them in poultry farming. By providing the necessary resources and training, the scheme aims to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and promote inclusive economic growth. Additionally, the scheme seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on imported frozen chicken, protect foreign exchange, and enhance food security.
The empowerment scheme has already been successfully implemented in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos State. Plans are underway to extend the scheme to Abia and Cross River states before the end of the year. NALDA ensures a phased approach to the implementation of the scheme, with each phase targeting specific regions. This strategy allows for effective monitoring, evaluation, and support for the farmers involved.
Under the NALDA Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme, each beneficiary receives a comprehensive package to kickstart their poultry farming venture. The package includes 24 broiler chicks, three bags of feeds (one starter and two finishers), and a battery cage. Furthermore, beneficiaries undergo intensive and elaborate capacity building to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful broiler rearing.
The NALDA Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme aims to empower beneficiaries not only through the initial distribution of resources but also through continuous support and reinvestment. The focus is for farmers to rear the birds, sell the broilers, reinvest the profits, and repeat the process. By doing so, farmers can establish sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.
To ensure the success of the empowerment scheme, NALDA closely monitors the activities of the beneficiaries. The agency conducts regular follow-ups, monitors their progress, and identifies those who are committed and excel in their farming practices. Beneficiaries who demonstrate exceptional performance may receive upscaling opportunities from NALDA, further advancing their ventures and contributing to the overall success of the program.
The NALDA Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme offers numerous advantages to both the farmers and the economy. By engaging in poultry farming, individuals can generate income, improve their economic status, and overcome the challenges posed by the current economic situation. Additionally, the scheme reduces the reliance on imported frozen chicken, which is often of questionable quality and can easily be contaminated. This initiative contributes to the overall development of the agricultural sector and strengthens the nation’s food security.
The NALDA Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme has received positive feedback from beneficiaries who appreciate the government’s support and commitment to improving their livelihoods. Miss Grace Oladele expressed gratitude for the empowerment, highlighting the positive impact it will have on her life and the Nigerian economy. Mr. Taiwo Ajayi emphasized the importance of the program in revitalizing the poultry industry and enabling individuals to sustain themselves amidst challenging economic conditions.
The NALDA Home Grown Poultry Empowerment Scheme is a commendable initiative aimed at empowering poultry farmers in Lagos State. By providing the necessary resources, training, and continuous support, the scheme enables individuals to establish sustainable livelihoods, contribute to the agricultural sector, and improve the overall economy. Through this initiative, NALDA demonstrates its commitment to creating opportunities for economic growth and fostering self-sufficiency in the poultry industry.
Report by Obinna Ejianya @obinna_ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
