85 pwd, 1,615 Others To Benefit From APPEALS Project In Kaduna

85 persons with disability out of 1,700 people target were to benefit from the Agro-processing, Productivity, Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project in Kaduna State.

Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with support from World Bank, is currently implementing the oroject in six States of Enugu, Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Rivers and Kaduna.

This project, if well handle, is expected to generate about 60,000 jobs before the end of 2023.

Speaking during the screening of the shortlisted candidates of the empowerment programme, Dr Salisu Garba, APPEALS Project, Operation Manager, Dr. Salisu Garbba said, 5 percent of the beneficiaries of the project were persons with disabilities and special need which represent 85 persons.

“There is an intervention we are going to introduce in course of this program, first of its kind in the agric sector, empowering people with disabilities and special needs. So we set aside 5% of the number for people with disabilities and special needs to be able to be captured into to the project.

“So what we are looking for now is the remaining 1,615, and going through interview and selection process. There are so many criteria and stages they will go through, they to verify whether or not they are selected among those that were shortlisted.” Dr. Salisu said.

National Women, Youth and Livelihood Specialist with APPEALS, Heather Akanni revealed that, once the beneficiaries are selected, they would have to develop their value chain plans; one for Livelihood and one for Productivity Enhancement.

“I want to congratulate the people of Kaduna State, the Governor is really interested in this project and I understand that the Governor has promised to support the project more. 

“As you can see, all the participants are around, they are eager to be part of the process and that is why we are here from the Nations coordination office to support the exercise here and am sure it will benefit them.

“We expect them that at the end of the exercise which is a six years plans project they will be able to sustain the project, having develop their value chains, having gotten the support from World Bank, they will be able to stand on their own and even transfer the wealth to their families and community at large.” She said.

The State Project Coordinator of APPEALS, Dr. Yahaya Aminu, said the Kaduna State Government is interested in the project which cardinal objectives are to promote food security, diversify the economy, create jobs, attract investments and improve livelihood of citizens.