The Kwara State government, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), has launched a $57.2 million agricultural project aimed at boosting livestock production and enhancing rural development across five local government areas.
State coordinator of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project, Busari Isiaka, disclosed this at the weekend in Ilorin. He said the initiative, funded through a joint partnership between the Kwara State government and the Saudi Arabia-based IsDB, is designed to improve agricultural infrastructure and attract investors to the beef and dairy value chains.
According to Isiaka, the five-year project marks a significant milestone as it is the first time a sitting governor is chairing the steering committee of such an initiative. "While other states benefit from support through the African Development Bank (AfDB), Kwara is pioneering a new path by working with the Islamic Development Bank," he said.
He noted that Kwara was the first state to pay its counterpart funding, enabling early progress and a smooth start to the implementation process. The SAPZ project, he explained, is particularly focused on empowering rural communities, with special emphasis on women and youth participation.
"This project will help reduce agricultural wastage and improve food and nutritional security. Livestock farmers will gain access to modern processing facilities, which will increase productivity and value addition," Isiaka said.
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He listed the beneficiary local governments as Ifelodun, Kaiama, Baruten, Asa, and Moro. The project will include Agricultural Transformation Centres where farmers can process raw materials like milk before moving them to an agro-industrial hub in Malete, Moro LGA, for conversion into finished dairy products such as yogurt and cheese.
In addition to dairy, the beef value chain is a key component of the project, with facilities planned to support large-scale meat processing. Isiaka said over 5,000 beneficiaries have already been profiled, with environmental assessments and community consultations completed to ensure infrastructure is tailored to local needs, including access to clean water.
The project is currently in its design phase and will move into full construction later this year. "The design will be completed within three months, and contractors will then begin building the facilities," he said.
He also revealed that the state has hired consultants to attract both local and foreign investors. "Kwara is positioning itself as a leader in livestock processing. This project will significantly benefit our farmers and rural communities," Isiaka assured.
