IFDC and ECOWAS signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 12, 2009. The MoU reinforces cooperation in their work to further promote agricultural development, improve economic growth, reduce poverty, enhance food security and stop the degradation of natural resources through appropriate and sustainable soil fertility management practices and agricultural policies.
The MoU highlights the fundamental role of farmers’ access to agricultural inputs and efficient markets in West Africa’s agricultural development. Areas of partnership between the two organizations include integrated soil fertility management, sustainable agricultural intensification, development of agricultural input and product markets, agricultural policy reforms, information systems on agricultural markets, institutional development for farmers’ organizations and the private sector and training/strengthening of capacities for farmers’ organizations.
Photo Caption:
Dr. Amit Roy, IFDC president and CEO signs MoU document between ECOWAS and IFDC. With him is the Netherlands' ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Arie van der Wiel; IFDC North and West Africa Division director, Dr. Marjatta Eilitta; and the MIR Plus project coordinator, Dr. Georges Dimithe.