The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), a six-year initiative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)is sensitizing farmers in Ebonyi state to know ways of stemming the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
Sunday Ituma, state programme coordinator for the VCDP, disclosed this at Ezzamgbo headquarters in Ohaukwu Local Government Area , noting that the program would also provide supplies to help them fight the disease.
The IFAD is a specialized global development organization exclusively focused on and dedicated to transforming agriculture, rural economies and food systems, increasing inclusivity, productivity and capacity for rural dwellers.
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The organization works with governments private sector actors, civil society and other development partners in the application of tools and knowledge to respond to the challenges facing countries with the most critical needs.
Ituma said that the program’s national office gave a directive on the conduct of the sensitization which dictated that farmers should be familiarized with ways of preventing the pandemic. He added that leaders from farmer’ clusters had been selected to oversee the COVID-19 protocols on social distancing.
“The health experts would guide you and when you return to your various communities, amplify the message to the leaders of your cooperative societies who will in turn pass the information to their members.”
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“The ultimate aim is to stop the community transmission of the disease, to cushion its effects especially on our means of livelihood,” he said.
Guest speaker for the program, Joy Ozoemena urged farmers to observe all protocols set forth in order to effectively fight the disease.
“You will be taught on the proper ways of washing your hands with running water, application of sanitisers, wearing of face masks, observing social distancing, avoiding crowded places among others,” she said.
