United States Sponsors Seed Distribution for Internally Displaced Persons in Northeastern Nigeria

Emeka Ibemere

 The U.S. government, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), has delivered over 160 metric tons of seeds (maize, sorghum, millet, groundnut, and cowpea during the month of June, to over 6,000 households in Adamawa and Borno states.  More than 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDP) in the local government authorities of Madagali, Michika, Gombe, and Fufore of Adamawa, and Kaga of Borno benefitted from this effort.  USAID collaborated with the Adamawa State Ministry of Agriculture, the American University of Nigeria’s Adamawa Peace Initiative, and the Borno state government to ensure the distribution occurred ahead of this year’s planting season.

“These distribution efforts are literally sowing the seeds for recovery and resilience of IDPs,” said Michael T. Harvey, USAID/Nigeria Mission Director.“Working with the Nigerian government and other partners, USAID plays an active role in helping the Northeast realize its full potential,” he added. USAID supports several humanitarian, transitional, and longer-term development activities in northeastern Nigeria, totaling $133 million in collaboration with the Nigerian government at the federal, state, and local levels. Current and forthcoming activities will improve governmental capacity and performance, strengthen food security, and provide services for IDPs.