Economic Development
Economic opportunity is a key pathway to prosperity, but the current environment in the Niger Delta provides far too few options for growth. To address this, our Economic Development Program takes a market-based approach to help grow the region’s most promising sectors—cassava, palm oil and aquaculture (fish farming). Our projects are informed by ongoing research and analysis and designed to enable these sectors to increase efficiencies, boost profits and, ultimately, raise the incomes of people working in them.
Each of our programs aim to increase capacity, create connections and build platforms.
Capacity
- Connect farmers with training to improve practices and productivity
- Link farmers with technologies to improve harvesting efforts
- Improve capacity of local associations (e.g., farming associations) to serve members and communities
Connections
- Bring sectors together to help local farmers’ products meet demand
- Improve policymakers’ understanding of opportunities and constraints in local agricultural markets
Platforms
- Establish Economic Development Centers
- Showcase affordable water, sanitation and energy efficiency technologies
Projects
Projects
Aquaculture Value Chain
Aquaculture is one of the most promising sectors in the Niger Delta. Nearly half of the fish consumed in Nigeria is imported, signaling significant growth opportunities for the industry. We help build the organizational capacity of fish farming associations and help fish farmers strengthen their practices, techniques and business skills.
Cassava Value Chain
Nigeria is the largest cassava producer in the world, averaging an annual production of over 35 million metric tons per year. About one-third of the total national output comes from the Niger Delta region where many people depend on cassava as a main source of food and income. To maximize this industry, we work with farmers to improve their practices, adopt new technologies (which we also develop) to improve efficiency, overcome challenges, and, ultimately, expand their businesses.
Palm Oil Value Chain
Nigeria is a major producer of palm oil, but has increasingly relied on imports for its own consumption. Existing domestic demand—currently fulfilled from imports—makes the industry well-primed for expansion. The Niger Delta is the primary source of palm oil production in Nigeria. Current methods of palm fruit harvesting expose palm farmers to injury, death and inconsistent yields. Through our Palm Oil Value Chain project, we help farmers develop technical skills and adopt new technologies (which we also develop) to reduce risks, build demand and expand business.
Business Linkages Initiative
Too often, the risks required to pursue new opportunities prove too great for small businesses. Through this project we help burgeoning entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta build a competitive, sustainable business by connecting them with well-established businesses. Through workshops and mentoring, smaller companies build relationships and gain insights that enable them to make informed decisions and grow strategically.
Appropriate Technology Enabled Development (ATED)
Through this project, we help develop and distribute technologies that meet the needs of communities and small business in the Niger Delta. These technologies, including the Biosand Filter, the Mechanical Adjustable Harvester, Small Scale Processing Equipment and Chorkor Oven, typically serve workers in the cassava, palm oil and aquaculture industries increase their yields and profits.
