About the Project:

The USAID Nigeria Feed the Future Enterprise Investment Fund (EIF) Project, spanning from 2023 to 2024, marks a strategic collaboration between Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) and Mercy Corps Nigeria (MCN). Building upon the achievements and lessons learned from the previous project (the RRA), DDI is intensifying efforts to integrate producer organizations with key actors in agricultural value chains across Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Gombe (BAYG) states. The project’s core strategies include establishing Post-harvest and Quality Management Associations (PHQMA) and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), with a focus on boosting employment opportunities, enhancing financial accessibility, and reducing post-harvest losses.

The Role of DDI:

DDI, as a key partner, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the EIF Project. Drawing on lessons from the concluded Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity, DDI is dedicated to strengthening the linkages between over 700 producer organizations and vital value chain actors in the agricultural sector. The organization aims to address existing constraints faced by producer organizations, such as limited access to agri-inputs, weak linkages, and challenges in market and financial support.

Expected Milestone Achievement:

The Enterprise Investment Support for Producer Organizations project outlines clear milestones, including the establishment of 50 additional PHQMAs and 100 VSLAs. These initiatives are expected to create employment opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Additionally, DDI seeks to enhance linkages between producer organizations and crucial value chain actors, fostering a more robust and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in the BAYG states.

Expected Impact on Communities:

DDI’s intervention is designed to have a profound impact on rural communities in BAYG states. By facilitating the formation of PHQMAs and VSLAs, the project aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve produce quality, promote a savings culture, and enhance access to credit and financial services. The overall goal is to advance agricultural productivity, promote rural resilience, and empower local communities.

Acknowledgement of Stakeholders:

DDI acknowledges the crucial partnership with Mercy Corps Nigeria in executing the EIF Project. DDI expresses gratitude for the ongoing support and commitment of USAID and all stakeholders, working together to achieve the project’s objectives and outcomes.

The GAIN SNiPS Project

When we think of hunger, we often imagine people who do not have enough to eat. However, there is another type of hunger that is just as devastating, yet less visible. Micronutrient malnutrition, also known as hidden hunger, affects 2 billion people around the world. This means that a quarter of the global population is not getting enough vitamins and minerals for healthy growth, with devastating effects on their health, productivity, and even survival. The consequences are particularly acute for children and pregnant women, leading to physical and cognitive consequences that can last a lifetime. For instance, according to Global Hunger Index – as published by the  International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) –  hidden hunger, can lead to “mental impairment, poor health, low productivity, and even death”. Its adverse effects on child health and survival are particularly acute, especially within the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to the age of two, resulting in serious physical and cognitive consequences.

Hidden hunger, according to GAIN, is particularly acute in Nigeria, among farmers and their families “who grow and eat their food and whose diets are overly reliant on staple foods, lacking in the diversity of foods needed to meet multiple nutrient requirements.” It is against the backdrop of tackling hidden hunger and preventing micro-nutrient malnutrition, that Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI has commenced the implementation of the biofortification component of the Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNiPS) Project. The aim is to enhance the availability and accessibility of Vitamin A Cassava (VAC) to smallholder farmers in Afijio, Iseyin, Iddo and Oyo West LGAs of Oyo State, strengthen the Vitamin A Cassava value chain and ultimately lead to increase in consumption of vitamin A as well as improved nutrition for the local population.

To achieve this, DDI has commenced the deployment of what it has termed the ‘Hub and Cluster’ model, an intervention that will provide safe nutritious foods to farmers and their families as well as other consumers in the selected communities. It will also encourage the adoption, cultivation, and improved production of Vit-A Cassava among the farmers in the proposed project areas. The DDI model is being deployed through farmers’ training, and capacity building around Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) for improved production, harvest, and post-harvest handling. It will also ensure the development of linkages between the smallholder farmers and other key value chain actors.

The model will also strengthen the aggregation and offtake of Vit-A Cassava by food processors while ensuring adequate follow-ups to measure adoption and output progress and supporting community resilience and participation. This will be achieved by building the capacity of cassava stem (seed) producers to increase production and improve quality, as well as improving access to these stems (seeds) for farmers. In addition, the Hub and Cluster model will entrench gender inclusivity, in terms of the selection of beneficiaries and staffing, by ensuring that women are well-represented in the project’s life cycle.   

At the heart of this project is DDI’s over 20 years of commitment and experience in designing and implementing projects that target the unserved and underserved populations across Nigeria. DDI is focusing on delivering value to smallholder farmers, all cassava value chain actors and the good people of Oyo State, Nigeria. DDI is proud to be working with GAIN on this important initiative that promises to ultimately lead to increased production and consumption of Vitamin A Cassava as well as improved nutrition for the people of Oyo State, Nigeria.

ABOUT SNiPS: The Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples (SNiPS) Project which was launched in 2021 is funded by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Nigeria, in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Green Innovation Centre for the Agricultural and Food Sector in Nigeria, with support from the German Government through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The 5-year project is aimed at improving access and consumption of safe and nutritious foods in Nigeria, with a focus on four major priority staples: Cassava, Maize, Rice, and Potato. The project targets the four states of Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Oyo, and aims to bring forward innovations that contribute to smallholder farmer livelihoods and sustainable rural development.

About the Project:

The USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Livelihoods Project, implemented by Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) as a sub-recipient of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), focused on rural communities in the North Western states of Kebbi and Sokoto and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), along with the North Eastern States of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. This multi-sector approach aimed to support very poor households by enhancing agricultural production, increasing incomes, and improving child nutrition. Seven main commodity crops, including rice, sorghum, soybean, groundnut, cowpea, maize, and millet, were central to the project’s strategy. The project covered diverse LGAs, ensuring a comprehensive impact.

The Role of DDI:

DDI played a pivotal role as the implementer of the USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Livelihoods Project. Operating as a sub-recipient of CRS, DDI orchestrated the formation of producer groups, implemented sustainable land reclamation in Sokoto State, and significantly increased crop yields in targeted areas. Through extensive training programs, support for marketing committees, and establishment of demonstration farms, DDI actively contributed to the project’s success.

Milestone Achievement:

The project achieved numerous significant milestones, including the formation of 965 producer groups in the North West and 562 in the North East. Noteworthy outcomes encompassed the successful reclamation of degraded land, a 60% increase in crop yield per unit of land, and the establishment of 60 marketing committees with substantial sales volumes. DDI’s training initiatives, community seed production, and support for livelihood clubs demonstrated the project’s wide-ranging impact.

Impact on Communities:

The USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Livelihoods Project had a transformative impact on communities. Through the establishment of producer groups, training programs, and sustainable agricultural practices, the project empowered over 52,000 households and nearly 36,000 farmers. Enhanced crop yields, improved post-harvest handling techniques, and the introduction of new technologies positively influenced livelihoods. The project’s comprehensive approach fostered sustainable agricultural practices and contributed to the economic well-being of targeted communities.

Project Highlights:

• Number of Value Chains: 7
• Number of States Covered: 6
• Number of Households Assisted: 52,000
• Number of Producer Groups Assisted: 1,527
• Total Number of Farmers: 35,854

Period of Performance: October 1, 2014, to April 30, 2018 Estimated Value: $740,330

Rural Resilience Activity (RRA): Empowering Communities in the North East

In the heart of North Eastern Nigeria, a transformation is underway. The Rural Resilience Activity (RRA), a Feed the Future initiative, is making strides toward economic recovery and sustainable growth in areas once shadowed by vulnerability. The Rural Resilience Activity (RRA) is a Feed the Future initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), implemented by Mercy Corps Nigeria (MCN) in partnership with Save the Children International (SCI) and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). The goal of the Rural Resilience Activity is to facilitate and protect economic recovery and growth in vulnerable, conflict-affected areas and sustainably move people out of chronic vulnerability and poverty via expanded opportunities. The Activity seeks to increase incomes and improve the livelihood and resilience of households through market-led growth in 4 States (Adamawa, Borno, Gombe and Yobe States) in North Eastern Nigeria.

Layered on the principles of broadened and inclusive growth through agricultural competitiveness, objectives of the Activity include a) inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth; b) strengthened resilience among people and systems; and c) a well-nourished population, especially women and children, thereby contributing to sustainable reductions in global hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

The Role and Achievements of DDI

Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) is honoured to collaborate as a vital component of this impactful program. Our role, focusing on the empowerment of smallholder farmers through market systems development, signifies our unwavering commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing communities. As a sub-awardee of Mercy Corps Nigeria within the RRA framework, DDI has been pivotal in nurturing the seed of change. We’ve diligently worked to integrate over 5,000 smallholder farmers into competitive market systems, establishing a robust foundation for economic stability. Our initiatives have fostered institutional growth and nurtured partnerships crucial for the region’s revival.

Milestone Achievement: Strengthening Agricultural Foundations

As a key collaborator with Mercy Corps Nigeria (MCN), DDI has significantly contributed to the agricultural development and economic empowerment of 12,151 smallholder farmers from over 400 producer organizations and cooperative societies within the BAYG States (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Gombe). This initiative, rooted in a market systems development methodology, has not only fortified the institutional capacities of these producer organizations but has also fostered inclusivity; 28% of these farmers are women, 27% are youth, and 16% are internally displaced persons (IDPs), all now with brighter economic prospects due to the intervention.

DDI’s Input and Output Market Access Model has been instrumental in this transformation. It has carved pathways for these organizations to form enduring partnerships and develop essential linkages with key value chain actors. This strategic move has broadened their access to crucial markets, credit, financial services, and advanced farm mechanization services, including those critical for harvest and post-harvest processes.

The culmination of this initiative saw the establishment of robust linkages between the producer organizations and major off-takers and agro-processors throughout the region. Moreover, these groups have secured connections with PULA, an agricultural insurance service provider, marking a significant step towards risk management and sustainability in their agricultural endeavours.

Impact on Communities

The real success stories lie within the communities themselves – women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and smallholder farmers who now look toward a future filled with possibility. Their narratives of triumph and resilience are the true measures of our program’s success.

Acknowledgment of Stakeholders

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support and vision of USAID and the collaboration with Mercy Corps Nigeria (MCN). Together, alongside Save the Children International (SCI) and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), we’ve woven a network of solidarity and support that underpins every milestone achieved.

Calls to Action

The journey does not end here. DDI continues to forge ahead, consolidating the gains of the RRA project. We are actively forming new farmer associations and facilitating critical linkages to markets, financial institutions,  financial services, technical support, and other critical services, ensuring the sustainability of our collective impact. We call upon like-minded organizations and individuals to join us. There is much more to be done, and your involvement can make a significant difference. To learn more about DDI’s work or to contribute to our initiatives, please CLICK HERE. Together, we are not just planting seeds for a season; we are cultivating the landscape of hope for generations to come.

The MAXIMIZING AGRICULTURAL REVENUE AND KEY ENTERPRISES IN TARGETED SITES II project (MARKETS II ), was initiated in 2012, with the aim of transforming Nigeria’s agriculture landscape for smallholder farmers. Despite being a leading producer of staple crops globally, Nigeria faces persistent food insecurity in rural areas. While agriculture significantly contributed to the country’s GDP and employment, a substantial portion of the population lived below the poverty line. 

MARKETS II aimed to address challenges such as inadequate farming income, rural youth migration, and an aging farming population. It promoted sustainable agriculture by involving the private sector, enhancing income and employment opportunities, ensuring food security, and reducing poverty. By targeting smallholder farmers, particularly those with 1 to 5 hectares of land, the project focused on the entire value chain, building long-term partnerships and training farmers to align production with market demands. It facilitated collaborations between farmers and processors, promoting agriculture as a viable business. Technical training and collaborations improved farming practices and production quality throughout the crop cycle. The project’s approach, grounded in demand-driven strategies and capacity-building, empowered farmers and strengthened rural agribusinesses, fostering a network along the value chain.

Additionally, MARKETS II supported the Nigerian government’s agricultural initiatives, collaborating at all levels and contributing to the sector’s recognition in the economy. Over its implementation, the project achieved significant sales and productivity increases across various crops, leveraging private and public investments. Its model and resources were widely shared, inspiring replication and entrepreneurial efforts, and fostering sustainable linkages in food supply chains. The project showcased that partnerships between smallholder farmers and value-chain actors contribute to food security, livelihood improvement, poverty reduction, and sustainable agribusiness.

The MARKETS II project ran from April 18, 2012, to October 15, 2017, with a budget totaling $64,932,079. The organizations involved in the implementation include:

Chemonics International (which led the consortium and managed field implementation, monitoring and evaluation, grants, and subcontracts), International Fertilizer Development Center, Marketing Cents International, Enclude (formerly ShoreBank International Ltd), Winrock International, and Diamond Development Initiatives.

DDI served as a sub-contractor to Chemonics International from 2007 to 2017 for the implementation of the USAID Nigeria MARKETS, Bridge to MARKETS II as well as the MARKETS II Projects. DDI worked to improve the productivity of six commodities (sorghum, rice, sesame, cassava, aquaculture, and soybean) across fifteen States (Bauchi, Benue, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Nassarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Oyo, Ondo, and Edo).

Specifically, DDI carried out the following:

• Outreach, sensitization, and networking of farmers
• Established and managed demonstration farms.
• Provided pre-season training of trainers covering basic aspects of the production of the commodities.
• Trained group leaders on how to replicate the training for group members.
• Conducted in-season trainings.
• Conducted post-harvest trainings.
• Conducted cost, yield, and income surveys.
• Monitored the outgrowers and their field performance.
• Facilitated buyback of commodities.

About the Project:

Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) collaborated with the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Project, specifically focusing on the ginger farming population in Kaduna State. This targeted initiative aimed to provide essential business development services to foster the growth and sustainability of the ginger industry within the region.

The Role of DDI:

DDI played a vital role in delivering business development services tailored to the unique needs of the ginger farming segment. Our approach involved a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced along the ginger value chain. By prioritizing these constraints, we strategically connected enterprises within the sector to larger firms in the supply chain, creating a seamless link to a rapidly expanding market. Our market-driven intervention was informed by thorough market research, encompassing both constraint and demand analysis, resulting in the development of services that directly address key business challenges faced by MSMEs in the ginger sub-sector.

Milestone Achievement:

The project achieved significant milestones by addressing critical constraints within the ginger value chain. Through strategic linkages and the provision of tailored business development services, DDI successfully empowered MSMEs in the ginger farming population. The identification and resolution of key challenges led to the improvement of overall business performance for enterprises involved in ginger production.

Impact on Communities:

DDI’s intervention in the ginger sub-sector had a transformative impact on the communities involved. By enhancing the capabilities of MSMEs and facilitating connections within the value chain, the project contributed to the growth and sustainability of the ginger industry in Kaduna State. The improved performance of ginger enterprises not only benefited individual businesses but also had a positive ripple effect on the broader community, fostering economic development and prosperity.

About the Project:

The AGRA-PIATA Project was titled: Technical Assistance for Strengthening Output Market and Financial Systems in Targeted Commodity Supply Chains within Kaduna and Niger States. It was a collaborative initiative between Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), aimed to enhance output market systems in Kaduna and Niger States. Focusing on inclusive yet commercially viable value chain models, the project sought to uplift the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and various value chain actors.

The Role of DDI:

DDI played a crucial and central role in implementing and shaping the AGRA-PIATA Project. Leveraging its expertise, DDI actively contributed to enhancing market systems in both Kaduna and Niger States. The organisation’s efforts were directed towards the creation of sustainable value chains that benefitted all stakeholders involved.

Milestone Achievement:

The AGRA-PIATA Project achieved significant milestones during its implementation. One notable accomplishment was the establishment of more inclusive and commercially viable value chain models. Through collaborative efforts, DDI and AGRA successfully fostered economic opportunities in the targeted states, contributing to the overall growth and development of the regions.

Impact on Communities:

The positive impact of the AGRA-PIATA Project extended to the communities involved. By creating more inclusive market systems, the project led by DDI ensured sustainable growth and economic empowerment for local stakeholders. DDI’s commitment to commercial viability played a pivotal role in advancing the well-being of communities in Kaduna and Niger States.

About the Project:

The Stabilization And Reconciliation In The Lake Chad Region (STaR) Project, a significant intervention backed by Germany’s KfW Development Bank, focused on economic revitalization in the Lake Chad region. This 94 million Euro project targeted Borno and Adamawa States, aiming to contribute to stabilization and reconciliation in the most affected regions of the Lake Chad crisis. The project encompassed various aspects, including economic revitalization, infrastructure development, social cohesion, and governance.

The Role of DDI:

Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) spearheaded the economic revitalization component of the STaR project in Borno and Adamawa States. The objective was to create new employment and income opportunities for thousands in the region. DDI’s efforts were aligned with the broader goals of the project, contributing to economic growth, social cohesion, and governance capacity building.

Milestone Achievement:

Commencing in April 2019 and concluding in March 2021, DDI’s implementation reached 7,500 beneficiaries in 30 communities across 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa and Borno States. Key achievements in 2020 included the formation of 303 smallholder farmer groups into cooperatives and the provision of vocational training to 3,000 smallholder farmers. The project introduced beneficiaries to innovative agro-processing machines, improved crop varieties, sustainable farming practices, and post-harvest management techniques.

Impact on Communities:

The project had a significant impact on targeted communities, with a particular focus on women through the dry season vegetable production initiative. Over 75 percent of beneficiaries trained on market gardening were women, enhancing their economic empowerment and contributing to the overall success of the project.

Acknowledgement of Stakeholders:

DDI expresses gratitude to Germany’s KfW Development Bank, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Justice for Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), and Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) for their collaboration and support throughout the implementation period. The successful outcomes are a result of strong partnerships and collective efforts toward regional stabilization and reconciliation.