Gendarmes, police officers, customs officers, road hauliers, freight forwarders, phytosanitary inspectors, traders and processors… more than 87 key players in agricultural trade from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger and Togo are struggling to contain their joy at seeing their activities facilitated thanks to the harmonised phytosanitary certificate introduced by the ECOWAS Commission to help facilitate trade between countries in the sub-region.

For years, farmers and traders in the ECOWAS region faced various difficulties in selling their produce from one country to another because of disparate health regulations. Amadou Kabré, a maize producer from Burkina Faso, remembers: “Every border was like a wall. Our products could be perfect here, but rejected over there.”

This standardised document, which is now used to certify that plants and plant products exported from one member country to another meet phytosanitary standards, comes as a relief to livestock traders, as Alidou Alhassani, President of Togo’s livestock and meat industry, explains: “This certificate is very welcome. It means we don’t have to go through the same formalities again when our animals arrive. It avoids wasting time and therefore reduces the selling price of the animals.

The development of the rice sector is part of the agricultural development strategies of West African countries, and Togo in particular. Rice is a staple food for a large proportion of the Togolese population, with annual per capita consumption estimated at 35 kg. Yet the country is facing a major challenge: national production covers only part of its needs, reaching around 165,000 tonnes in 2020, far short of the 450,000 tonnes required. As a result, the country is dependent on imports for around 60% of its rice consumption.

To reverse this trend, the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), of which rice is one of the priority commodities, has undertaken an initiative with the Togolese rice trade association to widely disseminate Smart Valleys Technology. This is a lowland management system designed to retain and manage rainwater in fields while reducing fertiliser losses due to flooding, and it can significantly increase harvest yields (more details on Smart Valleys https://bit.ly/3TM17VT).

Recently (from 24 to 29 June 2024), a training session for a pool of 20 endogenous trainers was held to introduce producers to this technology. Each trainer then passed on their knowledge to ten other farmers in twenty villages in the central region of Togo. During these sessions, participants learned not only about the Smart Valleys approach, but also how it works and the advantages it offers for maximising yields from limited areas.

In addition to the training, the farmers received toolkits for developing their plots, including wheelbarrows, boots, ropes, cutters, daba, picks and other equipment needed to put the Smart Valleys method into practice. Abdourahim Milbawa, a young rice farmer from Guérin kouka in the Dankpen prefecture, was one of the beneficiaries of the training, and was quick to share his new skills with other farmers in his locality.

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"When I got back from the training, I quickly got together with my farmer friends to show them this technology, which for me is a real innovation. On my plot of land, I explained how to develop the land while considering the direction of rainwater," says Abdourahim with pride.

Smart Valleys combines proven agricultural techniques with modern technologies to optimise the use of natural resources and increase the productivity of rice fields. The focus is on developing flood valleys by building dykes, canals and drainage systems to control water and improve soil fertility.

One of the major advantages of this technology is the efficient management of water and seed: “Before, I used to sow rice by throwing the seed onto the plain. For one hectare, I needed 50 kg of seed, and the yield was around 3 Tons. With the Smart Valleys Techology, I start with a nursery and do the transplanting in the trays that have been made. I use less seed, around 5 kg per hectare, for a harvest of almost 6 Tons per hectare. It’s beneficial,” explains Abdourahim, happy to have mastered this production technique.

Another site, another experience with Mrs Affi Koutèma, a rice grower in the canton of Yaloumbè in the prefecture of Blitta, in the central region of Togo, 260 km north of the city of Lomé. Like Abdourahim, Mrs Affi is a beneficiary of the training and applies the knowledge she has acquired to an area of 0.25 ha.

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In partnership with two other rice growers, she builds crates, manages rainwater and channels it, as well as planting seeds in rows. She is delighted to point out the changes in the way she produces rice: “Before, I sowed rice by broadcasting and that required 50 kg of seed for 1 hectare and a yield of 2 tonnes.  Today, with the smart valleys, as soon as you build the crates, the rest is easy to do and you use less seed. For one hectare, you use 4 to 5 kg of seed, and you can be sure of harvesting around 6 ha. I would like to sincerely thank the World Bank, ECOWAS and Togo’s Ministry of Agriculture for the multifaceted support provided to producers through FSRP”.

Smart Valleys Technology is part of a wider strategy for sustainable agricultural development in Togo, focusing on local solutions to improve food production and strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of climatic and economic challenges.

On the sidelines of the Africa Food System Forum held from 2 to 6 September in Kigali, a meeting was held between the ECOWAS Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alain Sy Traoré, and the Executive Chairperson of AKADEMIYA 2063, Dr Ousmane Badiane. Accompanied by Konlani Kanfitin, Head of the Technical Operations Division of ARAA (Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food), Alain Sy Traoré engaged in strategic discussions on the collaboration between ECOWAS and AKADEMIYA 2063, with a particular focus on the implementation of the SCORECARD tool within the framework of the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP).

The SCORECARD tool, which has already been deployed in seven countries in West Africa and the Sahel, is a crucial instrument for facilitating intra-regional trade in agricultural products, thereby strengthening regional food security. “This tool enables countries to better monitor and evaluate their progress in terms of agricultural policies, while facilitating greater regional integration”, emphasised Alain Sy Traoré.

Discussions also focused on the possibility of formalising this collaboration through a memorandum of understanding between ECOWAS and AKADEMIYA 2063. This agreement would aim to strengthen the capacities of Member States in the development of the new ECOWAS agricultural policy 2025-2035, a strategic project for the future of agriculture in West Africa.

AKADEMIYA 2063, based in Kigali, has set itself the mission of supporting the efforts of African Union member states to achieve Agenda 2063. The aim is to transform African economies to stimulate growth and prosperity. The institution provides cutting-edge data and analyses, which are essential for guiding the public policies of African countries, while promoting mutual learning between states.

Strengthening collaboration between ECOWAS and AKADEMIYA 2063 is a strategic move for West Africa, a region in search of robust agricultural policies adapted to the challenges of today. By joining forces, these two institutions aim to promote better governance of agricultural policies, based on up-to-date data and relevant analyses, both at Member State and regional level.

As part of the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has provided essential support to the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) for the effective implementation of the Feed Salone initiative.

A key aspect of this collaboration is to address the challenges faced by local farmers, with weed management emerging as one of the most pressing issues. Weeds are a major threat to agricultural production, competing for vital resources such as light, water and nutrients. Recognising this challenge, IITA and SLARI, with the support of the FSRP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, organised a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at empowering Spray Service Providers (SSPs). Held at Taiama Resort in Moyamba District from 18 to 19 September 2024, the training workshop targeted 75 participants from the Eastern, Southern and Northern regions of Sierra Leone.

The training focused on equipping PHCs with the skills, knowledge and technologies needed for effective weed management and other agricultural practices. Key topics included good agronomic practices, weed management in cassava, use of the IITA herbicide calculator and herbicide safety and use. These tools are essential for improving productivity, creating jobs in rural communities and strengthening food security throughout the country.

The workshop has been designed not only to provide theoretical knowledge, but also to ensure that participants can apply these techniques directly in the field. By using advanced herbicide management strategies and adhering to best agronomic practices, farmers should see a significant increase in their crop yields this season.

Through the intervention of IITA and SLARI, local farmers are expected to benefit greatly from this partnership. The continued support of the Feed Salone initiative continues to demonstrate how international collaboration can meet the needs of Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience in the face of challenges.

This initiative promises a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s farmers and the communities that depend on their success.

An important milestone has just been reached in the implementation of the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) in Senegal. A few months after it became operational, the FSRP Management Unit mobilized the implementation structures and various key partners around a workshop from 24 to 25 September in Dakar to work on the agreements and memorandums of understanding that are to provide a framework for the implementation of the activities planned to strengthen the resilience of the food system in the face of climate and economic challenges in Senegal.

This meeting represents a crucial stage in the process of implementing the project in Senegal. It provided an opportunity to share essential information on the origins and objectives of the FSRP, which is designed to ‘Increase preparedness for food insecurity and improve the resilience of food systems in participating countries.

Dr Mouhamadou DIA, National Coordinator of FSRP Senegal, explained the structure and implementation of the project to the FSRP’s implementing structures (SMOs) in Senegal, before emphazising the expected results and impacts, namely the reduction in the number of people suffering from food insecurity and the strengthening of the resilience of food systems.

The FSRP, financed by the World Bank and IFAD, aims to strengthen food security through the modernisation of agricultural practices and the sustainable management of natural resources. To this end, agreements and memorandums of understanding need to be drawn up with the implementing bodies to put in place a structured working framework that will enable efforts to be effectively coordinated with a view to building a more resilient food system in Senegal.

These structures include public and private institutions such as the Agence Nationale d’Aviation Civile et de la Météorologie (ANACIM), the Secrétariat Exécutif du Conseil National de Sécurité Alimentaire (SE-CNSA), the Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE), the Direction de l’Horticulture (DHORT), the Direction de l’Agriculture (DA), the Direction de la Protection des Végétaux (DPV), the Institut National de Pédologie (INP) and others.

The programme will also involve academic and research institutions such as the École Nationale Supérieure d’Agriculture (ENSA), and support funds for small and medium-sized agricultural businesses, such as the Fonds National de Recherche sur l’Agriculture et l’Agroalimentaire (FNRAA) and the Fonds d’Appui à la Stabulation (FONSTAB).

An agreement with FONSTAB provides for the funding of 1,268 small-scale sub-projects, including 708 for young people and women, 576 medium-scale sub-projects and 9 large-scale sub-projects, as part of the implementation of activities under sub-component 3.3.

These agreements and protocols, which have been discussed, will formalise and strengthen the collaboration between the FSRP and the SMOs and ensure the effective implementation of actions on the ground. This is therefore an inclusive approach that will ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the actions to be carried out under the FSRP to guarantee food security and the resilience of Senegal’s agricultural system.

The onion sector is enjoying remarkable growth in Burkina Faso. In recent years, national onion production has grown significantly, propelling this market garden crop to the top of the country’s agricultural production list. This expansion has made Burkina Faso the second-largest onion exporter in West Africa, behind Niger.

Between 2011 and 2012, Burkina Faso exported around 36,100 tonnes of onions, with growth in value of 24% between 2009 and 2013. Onion cultivation currently covers more than 11,000 hectares, involving some 15,000 growers and generating substantial income for those involved in the sector.

In this context, the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP-BF) is positioning itself as a key player in strengthening this dynamic. Recently, the FSRP’s National Coordination in Burkina Faso organised a regional consultation workshop for players in the bulb onion sector in the Centre-South region. The event brought together nearly 70 participants, including producers, traders and technical and financial partners, to discuss the vision and strategies to be put in place. The main objectives of the workshop were (i) to present the Centre-Sud bulb onion innovation platform; (ii) to share the content of the platform’s three-year action plan; (iii) to advocate for funding of the plan from partners; (iv) to present the platform’s vision and strategies.

With the support of the FSRP-BF, the platform aims to triple onion production in the region, from 14,607 to 43,821 tonnes by 2027. This ambitious objective is focused on producing competitive onions, both in terms of quantity and quality, for the national and sub-regional markets.

Despite challenges such as the lack of inputs, storage infrastructure and marketing difficulties, the sector continues to grow. The FSRP-BF’s support, through its structuring initiatives and accompanying actions, is strengthening the capacity of producers and all stakeholders to deal with these obstacles.

With better organisation and structuring, the onion sector in Burkina Faso is well positioned to play a decisive role in the local and regional economy, while contributing to food security and improving farmers’ living conditions.

ECOWAS organized a side event on “Scaling Investments for Rice Self-Sufficiency in West Africa: Opportunities and Challenges” on September 3rd in Kigali, Rwanda in Partnership with AfDB, JICA, AGRA, and the World Bank at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum 2024.

This event held under the auspices of Mrs. Massandjé Touré-Litsé, Commissioner of Economic Affairs and Agriculture of ECOWAS was an opportunity to share country experiences for the rice sector development and strengthen the by-in of several Development partners for a successful implementation of the Rice Roadmap 2025-2035.

More than 300 persons composed of Ministers, Governors, researchers, rice producers and processors, students…and technical and development partners participated in this event which promoted the formation of strategic partnerships essential for developing and implementing comprehensive rice investment packages identified within the roadmap.

The different interventions identified and addressed investment barriers by understanding these challenges and formulating actionable solutions to overcome them.

Attendees gained practical insights and proven strategies on successful investments models that can be replicated and adapted across different regions.

The side event was organized around two high level panels: ECOWAS Policy Frameworks and Sustainable Solutions and Financing Sustainable Rice Innovations to promote dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to enhance policy implementation and impact.

During the panel one, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone, Dr Henri Musa Kpaka; the Governor of Jigawa State Nigeria, HE. Malam Umar A. Mamadi and the Representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture of Ghana, Benin and Senegal share their experiences in the rice sector development. The panellists shared best practices, identified opportunities for enhancing sustainability, and recommended solutions on policy gaps and innovative approaches as underlined by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone “In Sierra Leone, Rice is the major staple food and we continue to import large quantities of it. Since I arrived at the Ministry, I have decided to change things by investing in agricultural production, because our climate and vegetation allow it. And we’ve started by producing certified seeds and marketing them to reduce market prices and give most of the population easy access to them. The efforts of ECOWAS through the Rice Roadmap are beneficial for us”. One the major challenges to the development of the Rice Sector is access to finance.

The Governor of Jigawa State has talked this problem and shared his solution “In Jigawa State, we worked with financial institutions that agreed to support the rice industry. All the rice growers who have their own plots have been identified. The banks are helping them to buy seed and fertiliser. At harvest time, the banks help them with marketing and recover their loans. This is more profitable for both the banks and the producers”.  The side event ensured alignment between the Rice Roadmap and the National Rice Development Strategies of the Member States for effective implementation and greater impact.

The second panel session focused on “Financing Sustainable Rice Innovations” to unlock investments for a resilient rice sector.  It brings together financiers, private sector players, development partners. The representatives of AfDB, JICA, AFEX and the World Bank, under the moderation of Alain Sy Traore, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development of ECOWAS, explored potential interventions and sustainable innovations to improve access to finance for farmers and millers to drive rice value chain development, and mechanisms to de-risk investments in the rice value chain. The panellists promoted the introduction of innovative de-risking schemes to encourage private sector investments and lending from financial institutions. This can be achieved e.g., through innovative insurance schemes like crop insurance, weather index insurance to protect against harvest losses, price hedging mechanisms to protect farmers from price volatility.

In conclusion to the side event, the Director of Agriculture and Rural Development said “Since the adoption of the rice roadmap, this is the first time we have shared it with a large audience such as this forum. Our aim is to change the trend in 10 years’ time and reduce the rate of rice imports into our respective countries. Action is underway to achieve this. All we need is financial support and the coordination of all agricultural policies to achieve this. It can be done.”

The organization of ECOWAS and Partners side event at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS) 2024, offered a critical platform for advancing agricultural innovation. The forum convened global leaders, investors, and stakeholders to discuss ways to transform food systems across Africa. The event fostered partnerships, shared practical insights, and drove actionable recommendations for achieving rice self-sufficiency in West Africa.

By participating at the AFS Forum 2024, ECOWAS and its partners have amplified their efforts in transforming the rice sector and increased the visibility of the ECOWAS Rice Observatory.  ERO, a multi-stakeholder platform established in partnership with organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and others, is central to coordinating activities and investments in West Africa’s rice sector. Based at the ECOWAS Commission under the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, ERO aims to align stakeholders, including farmers, millers, donors, and institutions, to reduce duplication and maximize resource use. Its mission is to facilitate collaboration, catalyze growth, and track progress, ultimately driving the region toward a competitive, sustainable, and resilient rice production.

In a significant step towards enhancing Sierra Leone’s agricultural research capacity, thirteen PhD candidates from the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) have been awarded scholarships to pursue advanced studies in Nigeria. The initiative, supported by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), aligns with the Feed Salone Initiative’s goal of building resilience and advancing agricultural development in the country.

The official ceremony, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security conference hall, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, who handed over certificates to the scholars. This event marks a milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the research system in Sierra Leone, particularly through capacity building and infrastructure development.

Dr. Kepifri Lakoh, the Program Manager for the Food Systems Resilience Program, highlighted the importance of the event, describing it as a pivotal moment in the FSRP’s mission. “Building resilience in the food system requires significant investment in research infrastructure,” Dr. Lakoh emphasized. “But the heart of research lies in having smart thinkers and innovative minds who can develop cutting-edge technologies essential for the advancement of Sierra Leone’s agricultural systems.”

The FSRP is supporting these 13 PhD candidates from SLARI in various specialized fields over a three-year period. Dr. Lakoh expressed confidence that upon completion of their studies, these scholars will return to contribute significantly to the agricultural development of Sierra Leone.

Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, the Acting Director General of SLARI, acknowledged the challenges faced in retaining trained scientists within the research system. Reflecting on past experiences where scholars left research for the private sector, Dr. Conteh expressed optimism that this new cohort of PhD candidates would remain committed to SLARI upon their return.

“The process of selecting these candidates was rigorous, with many applicants vying for the limited scholarships,” Dr. Conteh said. “However, we believe that the selected candidates have the potential to drive significant change in the agricultural sector.”

Dr. Alfred O. Dixon, Chairman of the SLARI Council, shared his satisfaction with the program, recalling his previous efforts to train young scientists who later left for greener pastures. “It is heartening to see these young researchers now heading to Nigeria to further their studies,” Dr. Dixon remarked. He urged the scholars to focus on research topics aligned with the Feed Salone Initiative and encouraged them to collaborate with institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) during their time in Nigeria.

Prof. Abdulai Jalloh, Chief Agriculture Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for continuity in the research system. “While SLARI has lost some of its trained scientists, those with a passion for research have stayed and are making significant contributions,” Prof. Jalloh noted. He encouraged the young scholars to work hard, as they will soon be the ones leading SLARI’s efforts in agricultural innovation.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, reiterated the government’s commitment to the Feed Salone Initiative, stating that the support for these PhD candidates is a testament to the President’s vision for strengthening Sierra Leone’s research capabilities. “Research is a key component of the Feed Salone Initiative,” Dr. Kpaka said. “This program not only strengthens SLARI as an institution but also ensures that the technologies developed are effectively transferred to our farmers.”

The Minister also urged the scholars to focus on high-impact research that addresses critical challenges such as reducing rice importation and enhancing food security in Sierra Leone. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with scholars, particularly those in agricultural economics, on future publications and research projects.

Miss Matilda Swaray, one of the selected PhD candidates, expressed her gratitude during an interview with AYV TV. “I feel honoured to be chosen for this opportunity,” she said. “My focus will be on sustainable agricultural practices that not only enhance productivity but also conserve our ecosystem in Sierra Leone.”

As these scholars embark on their journey to Nigeria, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of a nation striving for agricultural excellence. Their success will play a crucial role in the realization of the Feed Salone Initiative, contributing to the long-term resilience and sustainability of Sierra Leone’s food systems.

The Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to send ten promising youths to the Brazilian Institute for Africa (IBRAF) for intensive training on the cassava value chain. This initiative is a part of the FSRP’s Youth Technical Training Programme, which is designed to empower young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in various agricultural value chains.

During an interactive session with the selected participants, Dr. Kepifri Lakoh, the Project Lead, emphasized the importance of the three-week training in Brazil. He urged the participants to approach this opportunity with dedication and seriousness, reminding them that their mission is not just to learn but to bring back valuable insights that can drive innovation in cassava processing and production in Sierra Leone. Dr. Lakoh also encouraged the participants to be creative, curious, and proactive in forming partnerships that could lead to agricultural innovation. He added that FSRP is looking forward to receiving proposals focused on innovative approaches to the cassava value chain upon their return.

The IITA Country Representative, Dr. Alfred O. Dixon, a renowned agricultural scientist, also addressed the participants, sharing his extensive experience and offering valuable advice. He highlighted Brazil’s significance as a centre of diversity for cassava and encouraged the participants to pay close attention to the detailed aspects of cassava cultivation and processing during their stay. Dr. Dixon assured the participants that with the right focus and effort, they could capture new market opportunities upon their return. He also stressed the importance of understanding the engineering aspects involved in fabricating machines for cassava processing, which could greatly enhance their productivity.

As he concluded his remarks, Dr. Dixon urged the participants to view agriculture as a serious business and to consider forming lobby groups to advocate for the promotion of cassava products. This, he suggested, would not only elevate the status of cassava within the agricultural sector but also contribute to the economic growth of Sierra Leone.

About FSRP

The West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) is a World Bank funded program, promoted by ECOWAS, CILSS and CORAF for participating countries. It aims at strengthening food system risk management, improve the sustainability of the agricultural productive base and harmonize agricultural markets in the West African sub region. Participating countries include Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sierra Leone and Senegal. In Sierra Leone, FSRP which is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, is focusing on the intensified production, marketing and consumption of wholesome Mangrove Rice, Cassava and Livestock.

The first batch of broiler poultry under the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) of the Ministry of Food & Agriculture (MOFA) are now ready for processing into whole chicken and cut parts for packaging and marketing, having reached the maturity age of 7 weeks, with an average live weight of between 2.9 and 3 kilos.

For fast-food restaurants like KFC, Papaye among others, their markets demand dressed chicken between the weights of 1.1 and 1.3 kg, which is generally obtained between 4 and 5 weeks old, with an average live weight 1.7 and 2.0 kg. Consumers can therefore obtain these homegrown, hygienically processed, fresh and nutritious broiler chicken in malls, restaurants and processing facilities. Consumers can therefore obtain these homegrown, hygienically processed, fresh and nutritious broiler chicken in malls, restaurants and processing facilities in parts of the country.

These are being run under the ‘FSRP Poultry Intensification Scheme’ which commenced in June this year under the auspices of the Ministry of Food & Agriculture.

An FSRP Monitoring team made up of officials of the Animal Production Directorate (APD), the Veterinary Services Dept (VSD) and the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) visited the poultry farms and processing facilities in the Ashanti Region to ascertain their adherence to laid down industrial standards like feed quality, vaccinations, bio-security requirements, the required weights and general healthcare of the birds. The facilities were at Rockland Farms (producers of Akoko Tasty Chicken), Asamoah and Yamoah Farms (producers of Gold Birds), Darko Farms (producers of Darko Farms Chicken) and Boris B Farms (producers of Boris B Chicken).

At Rockland Farms, FSRP and MOFA officials witnessed semi-automated processing methods, whist Darko Farms and Asamoah & Yamoah Farms took FSRP officials through their fully automated processing methods, including slaughtering, dressing, cutting into parts, packaging, blast freezing and transportation.

The ongoing FSRP Poultry Intensification Scheme, has also been rolled out in the Eastern Region (with Fredna Farms), in the Central Region (with Judahson Farms) and in the Greater Accra Region (with Pap Farms). Anchor farmers in the Bono and other regions are expected to be rolled onto the scheme next month.

The MOFA-FSRP Poultry Intensification Scheme is being run in phases under World Bank funding, with each beneficiary receiving input credit in the form of about one hundred and sixty thousand (160, 000) day-old chicks, 4.5kg of feed per bird, as well as supplies of vaccines. They will also be trained in best modern practices and climate-smart technologies within the poultry industry. They will further be able to access matching grants to procure equipment to support post-production processing and cold storage. The scheme targets the production of approximately 2 million broiler birds on a yearly basis, under a $12.5m World Bank facility. Under the scheme, eighteen (18) commercial anchor farmers and their outgrowers nationwide are being supported to produce, process and market 2 million birds annually over the next three years.