Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEP)
Project Description: Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEP)
In partnership with the Ford Foundation and the Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND), Aqua-Green Integrated Farming Support Initiative (AGI) spearheaded the Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEP) program from 2019 to 2021. This project aimed to reduce unemployment and poverty in the Niger Delta by equipping youth with practical skills in agriculture and aquaculture.
- The NDYEP program was designed to address key challenges faced by young people in the region, such as limited job opportunities and a lack of marketable skills. AGI provided intensive training programs covering fish farming, poultry management, and crop production. Participants learned about modern farming techniques, including biofloc systems and water recirculatory aquaculture systems (WRAS), which enhance productivity while conserving resources.
- A unique aspect of this program was the distribution of startup packs to participants. These packs included collapsible tarpaulin ponds, high-quality fingerlings, fish feed, and basic farming tools. With these resources, participants were able to immediately apply their training and start their farming ventures. AGI also facilitated access to funding opportunities and linked participants to cooperatives, enabling them to scale their businesses over time.
To ensure long-term success, AGI provided ongoing mentorship and technical support. Trainers conducted regular follow-up visits to assess progress, address challenges, and offer guidance. The program also emphasized entrepreneurial skills, teaching participants how to develop business plans, manage finances, and market their products effectively.
- By the end of the program, over 3,000 youth had been trained and empowered to establish sustainable agribusinesses. Many of these young farmers became role models in their communities, inspiring others to explore opportunities in agriculture.
- The NDYEP program demonstrated the transformative potential of targeted youth empowerment initiatives. Through innovative training, resource provision, and mentorship, AGI helped create a new generation of agripreneurs, fostering economic independence and driving rural development in the Niger Delta.