NADF, C/River partner on financial model to support farmers, agribusinesses

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) in collaboration with the Cross River State government are working on the development of a subnational non-ISPO de-risking mechanism aimed at expanding access to agricultural finance in the state. Speaking during a meeting with the Cross River Governor in Calabar, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, commended […]

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) in collaboration with the Cross River State government are working on the development of a subnational non-ISPO de-risking mechanism aimed at expanding access to agricultural finance in the state.

Speaking during a meeting with the Cross River Governor in Calabar, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed A. Ibrahim, commended the state government for the creation of the Cross River State Agricultural Development Fund, designed to stimulate the commercialisation of agriculture and improve access to finance for both smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, as well as Project Grow, which is aimed at empowering stakeholders in the sector across the 18 LGAs of the state.

The executive secretary also commented the state commitment to research and innovation through the establishment of an Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) substation in the state, noting that such an initiative would strengthen evidence-based agricultural development and enhance primary production.

Mr Ibrahim reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with other subnational governments, emphasising that states play a crucial role in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and sovereignty. He added that the NADF remains determined to support initiatives that align with national objectives while empowering farmers, strengthening value chains, and promoting sustainable agricultural transformation.

He described the Cross River’s approach as akin to the Brazilian model of agricultural transformation, where strong state-level leadership, innovative financing, and technology-driven farming converge to deliver inclusive growth and lasting food security.

The NADF delegation to the state was accompanied by its technical partners, PROPCOM+, led by Country Director Adiya Ode.