EU-VACE TARED Project launches €18.3m initiative to transform Nigeria’s agriculture through climate-smart practices, job creation, and value chain development
The EU-VACE TARED Project officially launched on Wednesday, signaling a powerful new chapter in Nigeria’s agricultural development.
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This €18.3 million initiative, backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Germany, and the European Union, aims to revolutionize farming by integrating climate-smart practices, creating jobs, and developing inclusive agricultural value chains.
Set to run from October 2024 to September 2028, the EU-VACE TARED Project focuses on four critical agricultural sectors: cocoa, dairy, tomatoes, and ginger.
The project is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministries of Budget and Agriculture.
Seven Nigerian states—Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ondo, Oyo, and Plateau—will serve as hubs, driving local innovation, boosting food security, and opening new economic opportunities, especially for women and youth.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, hailed the project as fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This initiative offers a transformative pathway to tackle key agricultural challenges like post-harvest losses, climate shocks, and financing gaps,” Abdullahi said.
The minister also revealed the creation of a project steering committee dedicated to ensuring transparency, innovation, and measurable outcomes aligned with national priorities.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, emphasized the project’s significance to Nigeria’s dairy sector, noting the urgent need to reduce the country’s $1.5 billion annual import bill by developing local industries and creating sustainable jobs.
European Union Delegation Head Gautier Mignot described the EU-VACE TARED Project as a vital part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and Team Europe initiative.
“Our goal is to foster climate-smart, inclusive agriculture that generates decent jobs, particularly for youth and women,” he explained.
The EU’s investment extends beyond this project, with over €87 million committed to various agriculture and climate-resilient programs in Nigeria, supported by a nearly €1.5 billion pipeline aimed at sustainable green economy development.
Germany’s Deputy Head of Mission, Johannes Lehne, reaffirmed the long-term commitment of Germany and the EU to Nigeria’s sustainable growth.
“This project is more than funding; it is about empowering communities and transforming agricultural systems for a better future,” Lehne said.
GIZ Nigeria’s Deputy Country Director, Oladoyin Olawaiye, highlighted the broader social impact: “EU-VACE TARED is about building resilience and opening opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive locally.”
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By supporting smallholder farmers and MSMEs, enhancing access to finance and markets, and championing climate-smart innovations, the EU-VACE TARED Project is set to position Nigeria’s agriculture sector as a robust engine of inclusive and sustainable growth.
