NGO connects farmers to school feeding programmes to boost local agriculture
A non-governmental organisation, the Commodity Leaders Empowerment Network for School Feeding (CLENSFe), has launched an initiative to empower smallholder farmers by linking them directly to school feeding programmes across Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration of the organisation’s new committee in Abuja, CLENSFe consultant Mr Danladi Ibrahim said the goal is to strengthen food supply to schools while supporting rural farmers through structured market access.
According to him, the initiative will source food items directly from local farmers for distribution to schools, ensuring students receive nutritious meals while enabling farmers to grow their income and stimulate local economies.
“This programme is designed to empower smallholder farmers by integrating them into statutory school feeding schemes,” Ibrahim said. “We are identifying farmers and connecting them to government-run boarding schools and other institutions that require consistent food supply.”
Beyond schools, Ibrahim noted that the initiative would extend to institutions such as the Nigerian Correctional Service, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, and military barracks.
To drive the programme, CLENSFe is deploying a strategy called FADE Farmers, Agriculture, Digital, Empowerment which leverages digital tools to boost agricultural productivity and link farmers to reliable markets.
“The FADE model is a digital village concept aimed at transforming rural communities through technology,” Ibrahim said. “It connects farmers with precision agriculture tools, market access, finance, and real-time agricultural information.”
Also speaking at the event, newly elected National Coordinator of CLENSFe, Mr Bukar Jibrin, emphasised the importance of sourcing food locally to reduce reliance on external suppliers.
“We are committed to ensuring the school feeding programme supports local economies while delivering healthy, traceable meals to students,” he said.
Board of Trustee member Mr Adjarho Oghenekaro added that the model would ensure transparency in food sourcing, allowing government institutions to purchase directly from farmers.
“We are building a community-based supply chain that assures quality, organic food for students while guaranteeing income for the producers,” he said.
Dr Chinedu Amadi, who was elected as National Deputy Coordinator, said the programme has national reach and is already engaging with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other stakeholders, to drive its implementation.
“This is a nationwide initiative, and we are working closely with relevant bodies to achieve our objectives efficiently and effectively,” Amadi stated.