World Bank approves more funding For NG-CARES

The Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program has provided financial grants to a total of 12,423 farmers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and support economic recovery.

This was revealed by the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Lawan Geidam, during the official inauguration of a Pre-Field Training for Enumerators in Gwagwalada. The training is a preparatory step for the Endline and Beneficiaries Impact Assessment Survey, which aims to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.

Geidam emphasized the significant impact of NG-CARES, noting that within a span of two years, 66% of the allocated funds had been successfully disbursed, benefiting 181 farmer community associations across the FCT. He further announced that, following the success of NG-CARES 1.0, the World Bank had approved additional funding, paving the way for the launch of an upgraded initiative—Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES 2.0)—which is scheduled to commence in June.

Speaking on the initiative’s broader impact, the FCT FADAMA CARES Coordinator, Hussaini Iliyasu, underscored the program’s role in strengthening food security and enhancing agricultural supply chains. Additionally, the FCT CARES Coordinator, Uba Bala, stressed the necessity of compiling a Completion Report, which would assess the program’s overall impact and serve as a guide for future improvements.

To further enhance program operations, essential office equipment was distributed to FCT FADAMA CARES desk offices across all six area councils. This initiative is aimed at improving coordination and providing better support for farmers benefiting from the program.

With the expansion of the initiative through NG-CARES 2.0, a greater number of farmers in the FCT are expected to receive support, thereby bolstering resilience in the agricultural sector and fostering sustainable economic growth.