Public-Private Partnership to Boost Cassava Production in Nigeria
The United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of
Nigeria Limited (Shell) announced a $20 million sustainable
development partnership in Nigeria. The agreement was
announced in Washington D.C. by Andrew S. Natsios, USAID
Administrator, and Sir Philip Watts, Chairman of the Committee
of Managing Directors of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of
Companies. USAID and Shell initially plan to focus their
work on food security through a cassava cultivation support
program; the prevention of malaria; and supporting the
shrimp export industry.
The cassava project will be implemented by IITA, a
key partner with the Government of Nigeria in implementing
the Nigerian Presidential Cassava Initiative.
The cassava project is expected to be the first to
commence by the end of 2003. Its aim is to provide greater
income for cassava farmers in 11 Nigerian states.
The program will improve technology transfer to address
cassava mosaic disease and to develop cassava processing.
It will also help identify further commercial markets
for cassava, such as ethanol production, livestock feed
and use in baking. In addition to being a staple food,
starch from cassava is already used in other industries
including textile manufacturing.
Mr. Natsios said, "Investing in people is perhaps
the single most important factor in achieving long-term
economic growth. USAID is proud to partner with Shell
in the Delta region, particularly as we embark on implementing
a new $350 million, five-year program of development
and capacity building throughout Nigeria." Shell
will contribute $15 million over the next five years
to the partnership and USAID will contribute $5 million.
For more information on USAID, visit www.usaid.gov
For IITA's work on cassava improvement, visit www.iita.org
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