USADF Signs Grant to Support Thousands of Farmers in Nigeria:

WASHINGTON - July 15, 2009 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 15, 2009 – In an effort to support marginalized populations in Africa, the United States African Development Foundation has signed a grant to benefit a community group in Nigeria. The grant will benefit Da All Green Seeds Limited (DAGS), located in Zaira City, Kaduna State.

Commenting on the grant, USADF Chairman Dr. John Agwunobi stated, “USADF is an agency of the U.S. government, and its funding comes from the American people for the purpose of supporting economic development at the community level in Africa. With USADF funds, the grantee will be able to bring their products to a larger market and enhance quality of life for thousands of farmers.”

DAGS produces and provides quality sorghum seeds to 2,052 farmers on credit.  Farmers then sell back harvested sorghum to DAGS at above market rates, which DAGS then processes and sells to wholesale producers of malt drinks using sorghum as a main ingredient.  While there is strong market demand for DAGS’ sorghum, the company lacks sufficient funds to facilitate buyback and handling of the farmers’ output.  Thus, they are unable to fully meet market demand.  

The five year grant will enable DAGS to increase production by purchasing more seeds and expanding its buyback program from farmers, increasing farmers’ salaries.  Specifically, the grant will finance a fund for buyback of sorghum, an input fund to allow farmers to purchase improved inputs, website development and radio advertising, capacity building of the farmer groups, and training. 

USADF started programming in Nigeria in 2001. Nigeria’s current portfolio stands at twenty-three investment projects totaling nearly $3.8 million.  For more information about the portfolio, please visit the country’s quick source page at http://www.adf.gov/USADF-QuickSourceCountryPortfolioPage-Nigeria.htm .

 The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 20 African nations.  Over the past 25 years, USADF has funded nearly 1,500 projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.  For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, visit www.usadf.gov. 

###

• Contact Us
• Site Index
• Privacy Statement
• Fair Act
• No Fear Act
• Inspector General Hotline
• Disclaimers