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Benue Economic Development Agenda: Re-establishing the Place of Benue as Food Basket of the Nation
By CHIOMA OKORIE
NOVEMBER 20, 2023
The Benue Economic Development Agenda (BEDA) stands as a transformative blueprint, aiming to reinstate Benue State as the revered Food Basket of Nigeria.
In the inaugural phase of BEDA, the Center for Strategic Enterprise Development (CSED) forged a strategic partnership with the JZTP Foundation.
Together, they orchestrated a meticulous needs assessment across the expanse of 276 council wards within the 23 sub-state government areas of Benue State in 2021. This comprehensive endeavor enlisted the participation of 300 community workers and culminated in the generation of an insightful report.
The report not only identified but underscored the presence of incredibly low-hanging fruits, strategically positioning them as leverage points to initiate the industrialization of Benue State. The overarching goal is to empower its citizens, catalyze job creation, and elevate individuals from the clutches of abject poverty.
As BEDA progresses into its second phase, slated for 2024, the spotlight is firmly set on the implementation of an Agricultural Value-Chain-led industrialization program.
This strategic move is a direct consequence of the valuable insights gleaned from the completed phase one. At present, the project is actively engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders, fostering public-private collaborations and establishing partnerships with entities spanning four (4) continents
The roadmap for phase two envisions the establishment of Off-Takers Hubs, Parks, incubators, and the provision of funding for Agro-allied Startups.
This collaborative approach seeks to bridge sectors and continents, creating a robust ecosystem that not only revitalizes Benue's agricultural prowess but also positions it as a nexus for agro-allied innovation. The multifaceted strategy is intricately designed to catalyze sustainable development, foster economic growth, and fundamentally reinstate Benue as the cornerstone of Nigeria's agricultural landscape.
Through the development and deployment of the four phases of the project, BEDA aspires to usher in a new era of prosperity and prominence for Benue.
Published Date: November 20, 2023