As the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) prepares to conclude its active phase in Ogun State, a critical transition is underway—shifting from implementation to enduring legacy. A recent stakeholder forum in Abeokuta moved beyond mere reporting to tackle the fundamental challenge of development projects: ensuring they continue to serve communities long after the initial funding and technical support have departed.
The Imperative of Sustainability in Agricultural Development
Dr. Fatimoh Aliyu, the National Programme Coordinator, represented by Knowledge Management Advisor Mrs. Vera Onyeaka-Onyilo, framed the event not as a farewell, but as a strategic handover. The core mission of the “Dissemination of Project Results, Roundtable and Outreach for Scaling Up and Sustainability” was clear: to embed a culture of ownership and maintenance within the beneficiary communities. This proactive approach recognizes a common pitfall in development work—projects that flourish under external guidance but falter and become “white elephants” once that support is withdrawn.
From Infrastructure to Empowered Communities: The VCDP Portfolio
The VCDP’s footprint in Ogun is substantial. The programme, a Federal Government initiative funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in collaboration with the state and farmer associations, targeted smallholder farmers in the rice and cassava value chains. Its interventions were multifaceted:
- Physical Infrastructure: Processing centres for garri and other products, market stalls, aggregation centres, lock-up stores, and solar-powered boreholes.
- Capacity & Social Development: Training in best practices, nutrition education, and specific empowerment programs for women and youth.
- Enabling Infrastructure: Construction of bridges, culverts, and land clearing to improve market access and farm productivity.
This holistic model aimed not just to increase yields, but to strengthen the entire agricultural ecosystem, thereby boosting food security and local economies.
Building the Bridge to a Sustainable Future
The central theme of the sensitization was the transfer of responsibility. Dr. Aliyu’s message was unequivocal: “They have to own the projects in order to sustain it.” To facilitate this, VCDP has established Commodity Alliance Forums (CAFs) as a primary exit strategy—farmer-led groups designed to manage collective assets and advocate for members’ interests.
However, the programme is not relying on a single mechanism. It is actively soliciting formal Local Government Sustainability Plans. This call for concrete, localized blueprints is a crucial step. It prompts communities and local authorities to answer critical questions: Who will perform routine maintenance on the solar borehole? How will fees for using the processing centre be collected and managed for repairs? What role will traditional leaders (village and council heads) play in oversight, as requested by participants?
Lessons for Lasting Impact
The Ogun initiative offers a valuable case study in responsible project closure. Key takeaways for sustainable development include:
- Early Engagement: Starting sustainability conversations well before exit allows time for capacity building and plan refinement.
- Multi-Level Ownership: Success requires buy-in from individual farmers, community groups, and local government structures.
- Beyond Infrastructure: Sustaining the knowledge (good practices, nutrition) is as vital as maintaining the physical structures.
- Demanding Accountability: By requesting written sustainability plans, VCDP is fostering a culture of accountability and forward-thinking among stakeholders.
The true measure of VCDP’s success in Ogun will be visible in the years to come. Will the processing centres remain hubs of activity? Will the water from the solar boreholes still flow? The programme’s final, and perhaps most important, intervention is this concerted effort to equip stakeholders with the mindset, tools, and plans to ensure the answer is a resounding yes—transforming short-term projects into permanent pillars of community prosperity.
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase
