The Delta State Government has said the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises-Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project has deployed infrastructure worth more than ₦6 billion across the state to strengthen agricultural production and support rural livelihoods.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Val Arenyeka, disclosed this during an interview on Friday in Asaba, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Food Day celebration.
Arenyeka said the project had trained and empowered more than 12,000 participants, known as incubatees, across 10 selected local government areas in Delta State.
According to the commissioner, the beneficiaries received training in improved farming practices and support to establish their own agricultural businesses.
He listed some of the infrastructure provided through the initiative to include solar-powered boreholes, open and lock-up stalls, oil palm processing mills and poultry pens, valued at over ₦6 billion.
Arenyeka described LIFE-ND as a key component of agricultural development in Delta State, adding that innovation and scientific methods were becoming increasingly important to improving food production.
He urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural techniques and adopt improved farming practices to increase productivity and strengthen food security.
The state coordinator of LIFE-ND, Collins Ashoro, said the project was contributing to food security through interventions in poultry farming, fisheries, cassava production and oil palm processing, including activities across their respective value chains.
Ashoro explained that the project uses an agribusiness incubation model to train participants and equip them with the skills needed to expand agricultural production and contribute to the state’s food supply.
He added that the project showcased various agricultural products at the World Food Day event, including green pepper, habanero pepper, vegetables, garri and palm oil.
The 2026 World Food Day theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” highlights the importance of innovation in building sustainable food systems and addressing food security challenges.
The LIFE-ND Project is supported by the Federal Government, participating state governments, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). It operates across nine states in the Niger Delta region.
