LIFT Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) has boosted rural agricultural development with a disbursement of N9 billion to rural farmers and micro business owners in the first half of the year 2023.
The Executive Director of LAPO, Dr Honestus Ayo Obadiora, stated the funds were disbursed to 191,134 farmers across 310 branches nationwide between January and June 2023, through the LAPO Agricultural and Rural Development Initiative (LARDI).
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the beneficiaries, noting that many have significantly expanded their farmlands and business operations with improved income.
He further explained that LAPO addresses the challenges limiting farmers’ productivity and income such as the non-availability of inputs for improved farm yield and limited access to finance, adding that the organisation is also engaged in the capacity development of rural farmers and business owners through on-farm demonstration, workshop and training programmes.
Obadiora said LAPO is strongly committed to the mandate of improving rural agriculture, food security and the general living condition of rural dwellers, particularly, women-headed households and youths through flexible and affordable financial services.
He added that Nigeria’s agricultural sector has a strong potential to provide adequate food for its teeming populace and supply raw materials to a growing industrial sector, which constitutes a major source of foreign exchange and employment in the country.
Source : The Guardian