In this project IFAD continued to focus investments on the economically depressed Savannah zone in the north and centre of the country. The initiative had a special emphasis on smallholder households and particularly on rural women and young people. The smallholders, who were largely producers of food crops, were disadvantaged by a lack of technical support, professional organization and credit for inputs and tools.

The overall objective was to support the rationalization of agricultural support services, with the aims of reducing costs and increasing efficiency, by limiting the government’s role and strengthening farmers’ organizations. The aims of the project included:

• reversing an ongoing process of impoverishment of the poorest rural people
• stimulating an increase in smallholder production and incomes
• promoting the participation of rural women and young people in the development process

The project’s specific objectives were to provide the necessary training to farmers’ organizations, promote diversification of economic activities, supply credit and encourage mobilization of savings.
 

Source: IFAD