The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), in partnership with the Green Innovation Center (GIC), has awarded ₦4 million in microgrants to exceptional agribusinesses across Nigeria under its 2024 Microgrant Funding for Nutritious Businesses program.
Speaking at the award ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director of GAIN Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition.
Dr. Ojo highlighted the program’s focus on businesses producing biofortified crops like Vitamin A Cassava, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, and Vitamin A Maize. These crops aim to improve public health while providing economic opportunities for farmers, processors, and retailers.
“This event marks a significant step in our shared mission to build a healthier, more nourished Nigeria,” said Dr. Ojo. He encouraged the recipients to use the grants to adopt higher food safety standards, diversify products, and expand access to nutrient-rich foods.
Dr. Ojo noted that the initiative is part of the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNIPS) Project, which demonstrates agriculture’s potential in tackling malnutrition. He reaffirmed GAIN’s global target of improving access to healthier diets for 25 million people by 2027 through partnerships with stakeholders.
Collaborative Efforts to Tackle Nutrition Challenges
Representatives from key organizations and government agencies praised the initiative:
- SMEDAN: Director-General Mr. Charles Odii, represented by Dr. Ime Andy, pledged robust support for small-scale entrepreneurs. He highlighted SMEDAN’s focus on capacity-building, financial planning, and record-keeping to help businesses grow sustainably.
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: Director Mr. Nuhu Adamu Kilishi emphasized the government’s partnership with GAIN in combating malnutrition and food insecurity. He called for innovative approaches and strategic collaborations to address nutrition challenges.
- Kaduna State Government: Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Ahmed Monrovia, outlined the state’s efforts to integrate nutrition-focused programs with business empowerment, particularly for women-led agricultural initiatives.
- Nasarawa State Government: Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment, Barr. Abubakar Inam Zanwa, praised the program for fostering economic recovery and improving nutrition.
The event culminated in the presentation of awards to 16 agribusinesses from Kaduna, Benue, Oyo, and Nasarawa states. Additionally, four past awardees shared their success stories, showcasing the transformative impact of GAIN’s support.
Participants expressed optimism about the program’s potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s food systems. They urged stakeholders to sustain collaborative efforts to ensure healthier diets, promote food security, and boost economic growth.
This initiative reinforces GAIN’s commitment to empowering agribusinesses, addressing malnutrition, and driving sustainable development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
