The Kwara State Government has entered a strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabia-based Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to channel a $57.2 million investment into an agricultural transformation initiative. The project aims to enhance livestock production and rural development, focusing on beef and dairy processing infrastructure.

Dr. Busari Isiaka, State Coordinator of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), confirmed the collaboration during a press briefing in Ilorin on Thursday. He outlined that the funding will establish critical infrastructure to support both investors and local farmers, streamlining value chains in the livestock sector.

Highlighting the initiative's significance, Dr. Isiaka noted that Kwara's Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has become the first sitting governor to chair a steering committee for such a project, underscoring the administration's commitment to agricultural innovation.

“To understand the importance of this project, it is a five-year initiative with joint funding from the state government and IsDB.

“While other states in the federation receive support from the African Development Bank, Kwara is pioneering this collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank,” he said.

He further highlighted that Kwara demonstrated early commitment by swiftly paying its counterpart funds, making it the first state to fulfill its financial obligations.

“This prompt action has enabled significant progress on the project.

“The initiative primarily focuses on improving agricultural infrastructure, particularly in the livestock sector, with the core objective of enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities.

“The SAPZ project will prioritise youth and women while promoting food and nutritional security.

“It is designed to provide sustainable solutions for livestock farmers by ensuring access to modern processing facilities,” he added.

Dr Isiaka also stated that the project was being implemented in five local government areas– Ifelodun, Kaiama, Baruten, Asa, and Moro.

He explained that it would feature Agricultural Transformation Centres.

“Here, local farmers can process raw materials such as milk before transporting them to an agro-industrial hub in Malete, Moro Local Government Area, for further processing into dairy products like yogurt and cheese.

“The beef value chain will also be integrated into the project, with necessary facilities to support meat processing.

“To ensure smooth execution, we conducted extensive environmental assessments and community consultations.

“We have profiled over 5,000 beneficiaries, ensuring that the infrastructure meets their needs, including access to potable water,” he said.

According to Isiaka, the project is currently in its design phase and is expected to transition into full infrastructure development later this year.

He also revealed that the state government had engaged consultants to attract both local and international investors to the project.

“The goal of the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) is to reduce agricultural wastage and enhance value addition.

“Kwara is positioning itself as a leader in livestock processing, and this initiative will ensure that our farmers benefit immensely,” he said.

(NAN)