A large-scale youth empowerment program establishing fish and poultry farming estates across 12 local government areas.
Large-scale farming empowerment for rural youth and women in Rivers State.
Project Description: Youth Fish/Poultry Farm Estate Projects
From 2006 to 2012, the Aqua-Green Integrated Farming Support Initiative (AGI) partnered with the Rivers State Government to implement a groundbreaking empowerment program. This initiative, known as the Youth Fish/Poultry Farm Estate Projects, aimed to combat unemployment and poverty by equipping youth and women with skills, resources, and opportunities in agriculture.
Spanning 12 local government areas, the project established aquaculture and poultry farming estates tailored to local environmental and economic conditions. AGI’s role was pivotal in designing these farm estates, which incorporated advanced farming techniques such as collapsible tarpaulin ponds, modern hatcheries, and climate-controlled poultry houses. These designs not only optimized productivity but also minimized operational costs, ensuring sustainability.
The project directly benefited over 1,000 youth and women, many of whom had no prior farming experience. AGI conducted extensive training programs covering fish farming, poultry management, feed formulation, and business management. Participants were guided on how to establish and scale their farming ventures. Furthermore, AGI organized them into cooperatives, allowing them to pool resources, access credit facilities, and negotiate better prices for their produce.
A key aspect of this initiative was mentorship and follow-up support. AGI provided participants with ongoing technical assistance, ensuring they could navigate challenges and maximize their output. In addition to farming skills, participants received training in record-keeping, marketing, and financial literacy, enabling them to run their farms as profitable businesses.
This project also prioritized market access. AGI connected farmers with local and regional buyers, helping them secure a steady demand for their fish and poultry products. By linking participants to markets, the initiative guaranteed a reliable income stream, reducing their reliance on subsistence farming.
The Youth Fish/Poultry Farm Estate Projects were transformative, fostering economic empowerment and food security in Rivers State. By addressing unemployment and creating a generation of agripreneurs, AGI demonstrated its commitment to sustainable community development and agricultural innovation.