By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA- THE United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development, UN-IFAD, Nigeria, Thursday, hailed the Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, women processing groups for receiving the African Organisation for Standardisation ARSON Dual Quality Mark Certification.

The Country Director, UN-IFAD, Nigeria, Dede Ekoue, who was represented by the Country Pogramme Officer, UN-IFAD, Chioma Adiele-Okpara, said the achievement perfectly reflects the FGN- IFAD COSOP vision of transforming smallholder farmers and rural producers from subsistence operators into profitable and sustainable agribusiness entrepreneurs.   

Meanwhile, ARSO Quality Mark Awards to outstanding rice processor groups under VCDP from Niger State, and the award was organized by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), recognizes the processor groups’ compliance with African Standards (ARS) adopted as Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS), as well as their commitment to quality, food safety, and excellence in agro-processing.

The honoured processor groups were selected from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati, and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State following their outstanding performance and adherence to internationally recognized quality standards.

Ekoue sai: “This certification is not only a recognition of compliance with quality standards; it is a recognition of hard work, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the growing capacity of rural women to compete successfully in formal markets.

“This achievement perfectly reflects the FGN- IFAD COSOP vision of transforming smallholder farmers and rural producers from subsistence operators into profitable and sustainable agribusiness entrepreneurs. Across Nigeria, IFAD-supported programmes are investing in the capacities of farmers, processors, cooperatives and rural enterprises to increase productivity, add value, improve market access, and generate decent incomes. 

“We firmly believe that smallholder farmers are not merely beneficiaries of development programmes; they are entrepreneurs, business owners, employers, and critical actors in national food systems transformation.

“The certification being celebrated today demonstrates the tangible results that can be achieved when farmers and processors are supported with the right combination of skills, infrastructure, market linkages, access to finance, and quality assurance systems. By meeting internationally recognized standards, these women-led enterprises are positioning themselves to access larger and more profitable markets, improve consumer confidence, and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural products.

“Today’s event is particularly timely as the global community continues to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women farmers and rural women entrepreneurs. The recognition of these women processing groups aligns strongly with the spirit of the International Year of Women Farmers, which seeks to elevate the visibility, contributions, and leadership of women across food systems.”

She asserted that the success of the women groups also demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships, which she commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, the Government of Niger State, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as implementing agency of VCDP, VCDP National and State Program Implementation Teams, community leaders, and all stakeholders who have contributed to creating an enabling environment for rural women to succeed.

“As IFAD looks to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs across Nigeria. We will continue to invest in programmes that enhance productivity, strengthen value addition, improve access to markets and finance, promote climate resilience, and create opportunities for rural households to build sustainable livelihoods and prosperous businesses. IFAD remains committed to ensuring that women are not only participants in agricultural value chains but leaders, innovators, and owners of thriving rural businesses”, she said.

In her speech, the National Coordinator, Value Chain Development Programme, VCDP, Dr Fatima Aliyu, described the ARSON Dual Quality Mark Certification for the women processors from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati, and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State as an achievement that reflects the impact of the VCDP’s investments in capacity building, access to improved processing technologies, business development services, and market linkages. 

“Our goal has always been to transform smallholder farmers and processors from subsistence-level operators into profitable and sustainable agribusiness enterprises capable of competing in local, regional, and international markets.

“Quality is no longer an option in today’s agricultural marketplace; it is a necessity. Consumers are increasingly demanding safe, nutritious, and high-quality food products. To access premium markets and maximize value from agricultural production, processors must consistently adhere to recognized standards and quality assurance systems.

Aliyu also appreciated and commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, IFAD, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to strengthen agricultural value chains and improve the competitiveness of smallholder farmers and processors in Nigeria.

One of the recipients of the certification, Rachael Ahmed, from Mokwa Local Government Area, said the capacity building received from the Federal Government of Nigeria and IFAD-VCDP on quality rice processing was the brain behind their certification and recognition. Ahmed also said this certification has opened a new vista for them and this would lead to boosting food security and poverty alleviation as she appreciated IFAD-VCDP.