By Omolola Pedro
A non-governmental organisation, the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), said it has improved the capacity of rural farmers and business owners, through on-farm demonstrations, workshops and training programmes, which it organised. LAPO also revealed that its N70 billion credit facility provided to farmers and rural residents, between 2007 and 2022, had improved the productivity, income, and standard of living of beneficiaries. According to the Executive Director of LAPO, Dr. Honestus Obadiora, the loans were made available to 262,977 farmers through the LAPO Agricultural and Rural Development Initiative (LARDI).
He disclosed further that loans were disbursed to farmers in 303 branches in 22 states, adding that between January and December 2022, N23.5 billion, under the LARDI programme, was distributed to enhance the livelihood of rural farmers and support microbusinesses. However, he expressed satisfaction that the loans had improved the productivity, income, and standard of living of beneficiaries and contributed greatly to rural agricultural development. “LARDI has also helped in improving the availability of inputs for improved farm yield and building capacity of rural farmers and business owners through on-farm demonstrations, workshops and training programmes. The mandate of LARDI is to improve income, food security and general living conditions of rural households, particularly women-headed households and youths”, he said.
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