By Leonard Okachie
The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) in Abia drew the attention of stakeholders with its biogas project at an exhibition to celebrate 2025 World Food Day, on Thursday in Umuahia.
During the exhibition, beneficiaries of the project displayed their produce and demonstrated the benefits of using biogas technology for cooking and other purposes.
The LIFE-ND Climate Change Specialist, Mr Chidozie Kanu, listed the key features of the project to include renewable energy source, organic waste management, environmental benefits among others.
He explained that the biogas technology provides a sustainable and renewable energy source for cooking, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
According to him, the project promotes effective management of organic waste, converting it into valuable resources.
On its environmental benefits, Kanu emphasised that by utilising biogas, the project contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change impacts.
He described the biogas project as an innovative solution that aligns with the broader goals of promoting food security, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation in Abia.
Similarly, the State Project Coordinator, Dr Uchenna Onyeizu, described the biogas project as a mainstreaming activity in LIFE-ND, adding that beneficiaries (incubators) were trained on how to fabricate its production.
He said : “The skill and the knowledge they get from that, they can also use it to engage in other facilities that need biogas production.
“It’s to curb carbon emission because what is being used, the feeder of the biogas, is the byproducts from our agricultural activities, the organic waste.
“All those energy can be used for cooking, to power houses, even light up or warm our farm systems, especially the poultry production system.”
Onyeizu expressed hope that the state government having seen it as something of interest, could collaborate with LIFE-ND to expand the project.
He disclosed that Gov. Alex Otti, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, at the exhibition, had talked about having an industrial system of biogas production.
Onyeizu said that the the project does not have funding for that, but promised to push through the Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, for it to be achieved.
“That will help a lot and will give a lot of credibility and visibility for the state with regards to climate action,” he said.
Earlier in his address at the event, Agbaeze revealed that the state had through the LIFE-ND programme, trained and empowered thousands of beneficiaries along the agro enterprise value chain across 100 communities.
He listed rice, cassava, poultry and palm oil, poultry farms; mini oil mills, cassava processing plants and rice mills as some of the value chain.
Meanwhile, the LIFE-ND project which is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, is implemented by the Federal Government in collaboration with Niger Delta Development Commission, across the Niger Delta states.
The aim is to enhance income, food security, and job creation for rural youth and women through agri-enterprise development.
The project which has made a lot of impact in Abia, having empowered at least 4,250 young individuals, targets 3,000 beneficiaries with its additional financing.
The theme for this year’s World Food Day is “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”
