The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced 2024 application for the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project. This programme focuses on the three NDDC-funded states, including Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers. As a co-sponsor, NDDC works in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and is backed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
This project supports the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture. The aim is to create opportunities for entrepreneurship and promote financial independence and sustainable livelihoods across these regions.
NDDC IFAD LIFE-ND Programme 2024
IFAD has invested US$60 million, with NDDC contributing an additional US$30 million, bringing the total LIFE-ND funds to US$90 million. This funding is expected to directly benefit over 38,000 people, though it is likely to positively impact many more in the Niger Delta.
The LIFE-ND project will promote agricultural businesses within local communities, and it covers both on-farm and off-farm activities. LIFE-ND will create jobs and wealth, especially for unemployed and underemployed youth and women-headed households. The project covers agricultural sectors such as cocoa, plantain, oil palm, rice, poultry, cassava, and fish.
2024 beneficiaries will be selected at the village level, which will focus on vulnerable groups like women-headed households with children under 15 and persons with disabilities (PWD).
Distribution of Beneficiaries:
| Group | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Male Youth | 19,125 | 50% |
| Female Youth (60%) | 11,475 | 60% |
| Women-headed Households (40%) | 7,650 | 40% |
The LIFE-ND programme refers to beneficiaries as Incubatees (trainees), who will eventually serve as Incubators themselves. Incubators will be selected based on their expertise in market linkages, their adoption of the out-grower model, and their ability to mentor new enterprises. These incubators will provide technical, financial, and managerial guidance to help the assigned incubatees (trainees) who will become their apprentices.
NDDC IFAD LIFE-ND Programme Requirements 2024
- Beneficiaries must be unemployed or underemployed
- Applicant MUST be youth aged between 18 to 35 years old
- Belong to a vulnerable group, including women-headed households with children under 15 or persons with disabilities
How to Apply for NDDC IFAD LIFE-ND Programme 2024
Interested applicants should visit the NDDC IFAD LIFE-ND portal at https://life-nd.org.ng and click on Apply to register.
The project also promotes enterprises that cater to women’s livelihoods, particularly in sectors like vegetable production, fish farming, poultry, and honey production. These businesses support income generation, household food security, and improved nutrition.
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The success seen in the initial six states (Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Ondo) has set a high standard, which will now be extended to the newly funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers.
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