In a landmark development for youth employability and agricultural transformation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has inaugurated a pivotal drilling project benefitting the Luumo Kosam Dairy Cooperative in Chukun, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
This project, implemented by the Value Chain Foundation with backing from ECOWAS and the Swiss Cooperation (DDC), is part of the Regional Program for Support to Farmer Organizations (PRAOP), aiming to revolutionize dairy and fodder production in the region.
The initiative holds immense promise, particularly in addressing the persistent challenge of clean water access in rural Nigeria. By establishing a sustainable water source, the project will catalyze livelihood improvements among Luumo Kosam’s members, primarily composed of livestock farmers reliant on adequate water supply for herd health and productivity.
Expected outcomes of the project include the creation of 22 direct jobs, production of 400 tons of fodder, and the training of 600 youths from 100 households alongside 10 young individuals. Moreover, 100 households will be connected to crucial services such as feed, veterinary care, and artificial insemination, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem of support for dairy production.
The provision of reliable water infrastructure signifies a pivotal turning point for the cooperative’s members, poised to significantly enhance milk production and pave the way for expanded employment opportunities, especially for the region’s youth.
This development underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development in West Africa, marking a notable stride towards bolstering local livelihoods and fostering youth employability within the agricultural sector.
The handover of the drilling facility to the Luumo Kosam Dairy Cooperative not only promises increased milk yields but also ushers in a new era of prosperity for Chukun’s youth.
The initiative encapsulates a holistic approach, merging essential water provisions with targeted employment and training initiatives, thereby setting a transformative precedent in empowering local communities and driving economic progress in Nigeria’s agricultural heartlands.