The EU-VACE TARED project, a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government, the European Union, and Germany, represents a substantial investment in Nigeria’s agricultural future. This four-year, €18.3 million initiative, officially launched in October 2024, aims to revitalize the agricultural sector through the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, job creation, and inclusive value chain development. Focusing on cocoa, dairy, tomatoes, and ginger, the project will be implemented across seven key states: Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ondo, Oyo, and Plateau. These states will serve as hubs for the project’s activities, driving innovation and economic growth within their respective agricultural landscapes. The project’s core objective is to enhance food security, stimulate economic growth, and empower marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, by creating sustainable livelihoods within the agricultural sector.
The EU-VACE TARED project directly addresses several critical challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. These include post-harvest losses, vulnerability to climate shocks, limited access to finance, and the need to attract younger generations to agriculture. By focusing on these key areas, the project seeks to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system, capable of weathering both economic and environmental challenges. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of strengthening agricultural value chains, ensuring that farmers and other stakeholders can access markets and benefit from increased value addition. This multifaceted approach is designed to create a more robust and profitable agricultural sector, capable of driving economic growth and reducing poverty.
The Nigerian government has expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing its alignment with national priorities. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted the project’s synergy with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which prioritizes food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, and inclusivity. The government has committed to active participation in the project, including the formation of a steering committee to ensure transparency and effective implementation. This committee will play a crucial role in guiding the project’s direction, monitoring progress, and ensuring that it delivers tangible results. The government’s commitment underscores the importance of the project for Nigeria’s development goals.
The EU-VACE TARED project also holds significant implications for Nigeria’s livestock sector, particularly the dairy industry. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, emphasized the project’s potential to transform the dairy value chain, aligning with the Ministry’s Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy. He highlighted the need to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on dairy imports, which currently cost the country $1.5 billion annually. By promoting local dairy production, the project aims to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and enhance social harmony. This focus on local production aligns with the broader goal of boosting domestic industries and reducing dependence on imports.
The European Union and Germany have reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s sustainable development. The EU-VACE TARED project is a key component of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and Team Europe initiative, which aim to promote sustainable development and economic resilience globally. The EU is investing over €87 million in various agriculture and climate-resilient programs in Nigeria, with a broader Team Europe pipeline of nearly €1.5 billion in green economy initiatives. This substantial investment underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s long-term development goals and fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy. Germany has similarly reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s development, highlighting the project as a strategic investment in the country’s agricultural future.
The EU-VACE TARED project is poised to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. By supporting smallholder farmers and MSMEs with innovations and skills development, the project aims to enhance their productivity and market access. Improved access to finance will further empower these actors, enabling them to invest in their businesses and expand their operations. The promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices will build resilience against environmental challenges, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector. Furthermore, the project’s emphasis on creating decent work opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups, will contribute to social inclusion and economic empowerment. By addressing these key areas, the EU-VACE TARED project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, transforming it into a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.
