ADAS-P, PAWECA Move to Curb Unemployment Through Agribusiness Partnership in Adamawa

ADAS-P, PAWECA Move to Curb Unemployment Through Agribusiness Partnership in Adamawa

The Adamawa State Agribusiness Support Programme (ADAS-P) has begun a strategic collaboration with the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) as part of efforts to address unemployment and promote economic self-sufficiency across the state.

The initiative, which aligns with the development blueprint of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, is focused on unlocking sustainable opportunities through agribusiness development and skills acquisition.

During a meeting held at the PAWECA office in Yola, the Chief Operating Officer and Lead Consultant of ADAS-P, Yunusa Ibrahim Gafai, explained that the programme is designed to drive agricultural commercialisation, improve productivity, and strengthen market access for farmers and agripreneurs.

He noted that ADAS-P operates across five major subsectors—livestock, crop production, aquaculture, forestry, and horticulture—while also supporting smallholder poultry farmers, including backyard operators, with access to finance, inputs, and hatchery facilities.

“We are building systems that will integrate PAWECA beneficiaries into viable agribusiness value chains, connect them to markets, and enhance their capacity for sustainable income generation,” Gafai stated.

He further disclosed that the programme is extending its reach to retirees, with a dedicated fund of ₦1 billion set aside to support their active participation in agribusiness ventures.

In his response, the Director-General of PAWECA, Michael Zira, welcomed the partnership and affirmed the agency’s commitment to working with ADAS-P to achieve mutual goals.

“We are pleased with this collaboration and are fully committed to leveraging it to reduce unemployment and encourage a culture of self-reliance among our people,” Zira said.

As part of next steps, both organisations have appointed focal persons to develop a policy framework that will guide the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for the formal commencement of the partnership.

The collaboration is expected to reinforce the Adamawa State Government’s broader efforts to empower citizens, enhance agricultural productivity, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.