No fewer than 20 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) groups in Niger state have received grains processing machines for their outstanding performance.
The gesture was facilitated by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) under the aegis of the Niger state/AGRA consortium.
The Project was tagged Improving farmer resilience and upscaling productivity, income, and Livelihood in Rice, maize, soybeans, cowpea, and vegetable value chains in Niger.
President of National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Dr. Ken Ukaoha, said the VSLA groups demonstrated exceptional ability in putting funds together, attending meetings, and maintaining effective registration.
“Notably, women-dominated VSLA groups emerged as the most outstanding, with women showing exceptional administrative prowess.
“We are impressed by the performance of these VSLA groups, and we believe that rewarding them will encourage others to emulate their example,” he said.
He noted that the recognition was expected to boost the morale of the VSLA groups and encourage them to continue their good work.
According to him, the project, which started three years ago, has created over 2,000 VSLA in the state and has mobilised and monitored them.
He however commended the state government for providing an enabling environment for the project to thrive.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger state, Alhaji Bawa Musa Bosso, said the state was committed to ensuring that poverty was reduced through job creation for smallholder farmers.
Also speaking, Programme Officer of AGRA, Mr. Godswill Agwuyi advised the beneficiaries to utilise the machines and ensure that their cooperatives give birth to another cooperative.
Similarly, Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger State, Alhaji Shehu Galadima commended the AGRA/Niger consortium project. He urged women cooperatives to take advantage of the governor’s agricultural revolution.
Mrs Rhoda Tsado, from Victory Corporative, appreciated AGRA for helping them in many ways and bettering their lives.
“Through this project, our cooperatives have been able to save money, and members can borrow and pay back,” she said.
VSLA programme was aimed at empowering rural communities, especially women, to save and access credit facilities.
