Monitoring Team Reviews NG-CARES Implementation
A team of third-party monitors from the African Centre for Rural Development and Environment (ACERDEN) recently visited Enugu State to evaluate the implementation and compliance of the NG-CARES programme with its guidelines, processes, and procedures.
During the visit, the team, led by Prof. Daniel Ugwu, toured several NG-CARES project sites, including Amorji Nenwe, Oduma Achara, Ezinesi Oduma, and Amaeke Oduma in Aninri LGA, as well as Amaechi Idodo and Obuofia Awkunanaw in Nkanu East and West LGAs. The projects, facilitated through the Fadama and CSDA platforms, aim to enhance rural livelihoods and strengthen food security.
Key Interventions and Their Impact
The monitoring team observed significant positive changes brought about by these initiatives. Among the most impactful interventions was the construction of boreholes, which has greatly improved access to clean water for domestic use and irrigation. Additionally, the programme has provided production assets such as:
- Cassava graters and peelers
- Communal fryers
- Rice parboilers
- Power tillers
These assets have boosted efficiency, minimized manual labor, and enhanced food production in the communities.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Engaging with the beneficiaries, the team witnessed the direct impact of the interventions. Residents were actively fetching water from the boreholes, while others processed cassava using the newly provided assets.
Mrs. Lovelyn Chiechezonam Fidelis, Chairperson of the Amorji Nenwe Farmers Community Association, lauded the Fadama platform under NG-CARES for supplying essential production assets for Garri processing. She highlighted how the intervention has enabled the association to acquire a permanent site for their expanding enterprise, which is set to launch fully by December 2024.
Similarly, Mr. John Chijioke Ike, Chairman of the Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Ezinesi Oduma, praised NG-CARES, stating, “We are indeed grateful for this intervention programme, which has greatly benefited our members.”
At Oduma Achara Community, Mr. Njoku Daniel expressed his deep appreciation to CSDA for constructing a borehole in their locality. He emphasized that the borehole has significantly alleviated water scarcity and is now also supplying water to a smart school construction project at Community School, Oduma Achara.
ACERDEN’s Observations and Recommendations
The monitoring team, represented by Dr. Godfrey Owoh on behalf of Prof. Daniel Ugwu, commended the communities for their commitment to maximizing the benefits of the programme.
Dr. Owoh expressed satisfaction with the impact of NG-CARES, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collective effort in sustaining the initiatives. He encouraged beneficiaries to continue leveraging the resources provided, ensuring the long-term success of the programme.
