The WACOT Rice Limited says it has successfully concluded the Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme (AOEP), a collaborative initiative with the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, aimed at enhancing rice production in Nigeria.

The programme, initiated in 2020, was designed to leverage the company’s existing outgrower programme to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by providing access to essential agricultural inputs, financing, and training on Yield Enhancement Techniques (YET), and Good Agronomic Practices (GAP).

Aside from the provision of support to over 5,000 farmers, notable achievements of the programme include job creation, increased inclusion of youth and women, improved food security, enhanced agricultural yield, sustainable land management, and expanded access to financing, all contributing to the sustainable growth of rice production in Nigeria.

The programme’s closing ceremony, held on Tuesday, February 13, at Fraser Suites, Abuja, featured speeches from dignitaries, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris and the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera.

The speakers commended the transformative impact of the outgrower programme on the local agricultural landscape.

Having overseen the launch of the programme during his tenure as Kebbi Governor, Senator Bagudu emphasised the positive outcomes achieved through the collaboration between TGI Group and the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, underscoring the potential of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development.

The Kebbi State Governor, Idris, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Attahiru Maccido, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significant contribution of the outgrower programme to the development of the state.

He said, “the presence of WACOT and USAID in Kebbi has helped answer various questions and address certain challenges regarding agriculture, and today, we can see over 80 per cent success rate of the initiative. The partnership ending today is one that the state is missing already, and work is ongoing to replicate it in other parts of the state.

“This emphasises the partnership between the private and the public sectors in nation-building. Kebbi State is always ready to provide an enabling environment for companies like WACOT rice, and you would always find a decent Return on Investment.”

Chairman of WACOT Rice and Executive Vice Chairman (Africa) of TGI Group, Farouk Gumel, expressed gratitude to the minister, governor, emir, farmers, and all stakeholders for their support.

He reaffirmed TGI’s unwavering commitment to promoting food security and economic growth in Nigeria through substantial investments across various sectors.

“I will start by appreciating our partners on this successful project. This programme started at a challenging time in Nigeria, in 2020, when COVID-19 was manifesting its impact. Despite the odds, this $10 million initiative was aimed at transforming the lives of 5,000 people over four years, and today we can see the impacts it has made.”

Speaking on the programme’s impact on Argungu people and community, the Emir highlighted the positive changes to the community, including employment generation and improved living standards for farmers.

Mission Director for USAID Nigeria, Melissa Jones, underscored the significance of the partnership between WACOT Rice and the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, emphasising the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development and fostering economic growth in the region.

She said, “with $1.48 million from USAID West Africa Trade Hub, WACOT Rice successfully leveraged $8.6m of their funds, demonstrating their commitment to address the challenges faced. As a direct result of this partnership, WACOT Rice engaged over 7,600 outgrower farmers – far above the original target of 5,000. It provided them with extension services and high-quality inputs to ensure improved rice yields and a quality product.

The Chief of the Party at Trade Hub, Robin Wheeler, also provided insights into the programme’s achievements and contribution to the local economy. He stated, “the USAID’s Trade Hub is one of the largest blended finance initiatives in the region, partnering with visionary private sector companies like WACOT Rice Limited to foster market-driven solutions, enhancing food security through sustainable advancements in local rice production.”