The United State Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a food security challenge that would provide $3million grant, funding and technical assistance to Youth-led and mid stage firms from working in food value chains across Nigeria.
A statement was issued by USAID mission Director Anne Patterson, stating that the essence of this support to Nigerians, was based on the devastating effect of the pandemic and its effect on food value chain, which has crippled farmers ability to produce, process and distribute agricultural productivity, leading to a deplorable state among women, household and youths.
She said, “We are launching the covid-19 food security challenge to help innovate Nigerians alleviate food insecurity.
“This assistance encourages private sectors to boost food production, processing and create market linkage along the agriculture value chain in a sustainable way across Nigeria”.
In launching the challenge, USAID seeks commercially viable youths, companies already working in food processing and distribution. Successful applicants would present ideas that demonstrably helps farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain increase agricultural productivity and food security within the next six months.
However, the challenge would award 15 to 25 Youth-led companies up to $75,000 each and award 10 to 15 midstage companies up to 150,000 each. Winners would receive funding and technical assistance to rapidly expand their activities to mitigate the effect of Covid-19 on Nigeria’s food value chain, and improve the resilience of vulnerable households to the negative impacts of the pandemic.
Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
