GEF-SGP- UNDP Partners with EGCDF on Key Economic Empowerment Project by Setting up Cassava and Plantain Farms

In pursuit of its cardinal agenda on infrastructural, human capital development and enhancement of economic opportunities for constituent communities, EGCDF sought partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the implementation of key economic empowerment projects on “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture to Address Land Degradation and Enhance Economic Opportunities”. The project is sponsored by the Global Environment Facility for Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) and part-funded by EGCDF. The focus is to setup Cassava and Plantain Farms at Ogbudugbudu and Ogbinbiri communities in Egbema Kingdom in Warri North L.G.A of Delta State.

Project Objectives:

• Increased farm land productivities through improved agricultural best practices.
• Improved capacity of locals for sustainable agricultural practice/co-operative/business management through awareness creation, capacity building and community engagement.
• Promotion of sustainable peace through creation of employment opportunities.

Project outcomes/results:

• Promote sustainable climate smart agricultural practices in the communities.
• Enhanced livelihood of beneficiaries through improved value chain and access to market.
• Increased farm land productivity through planting of improved seedlings by 20%
• Increased number of communities folks with enhanced livelihood and income generating opportunities by 25% at the end of the project.

In response to EGCDF clarion call, the UNDP sent its project evaluation team to visit the proposed project sites on February 1, 2020 for on-the-spot assessment.  However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was put on hold as all offices were closed for business during the period.

Nonetheless, having assessed the strength and quality of the project, UNDP released the first milestone payment in August 2021, for the implementation of the project. Being the Implementing organization, EGCDF is contributing 50% of the total fund to support the GEF-SGP funds, and as well partnering with CEPEJ for the successful implementation of the project.

After receiving the GEF-SGP funds, EGCDF setup Project Steering Committee and Implementation Team to plan, monitor and oversee the various activities of the project. The Project Implementation Team visited the Project sites at Ogbudugbudu and Ogbinbiri communities respectively for stakeholders consultative and town hall meetings, identification, formation and registration of cooperative groups as well as training of the cooperative members.