IFAD VCDP Establishes School Gardens, Nutrition Clubs in Anambra

July 9, 2026 Ichie Times

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Anambra State has established school gardens and nutrition clubs in participating local government areas to promote nutrition sensitive agriculture and encourage healthy eating among students.

The initiative is designed to strengthen nutrition awareness at the grassroots, promote good agricultural practices in schools and inspire students to embrace agriculture from an early age.

The State Programme Coordinator of IFAD VCDP, Dr. Deborah Onyefulu, disclosed this during the inauguration of a nutrition club and farm demonstration at Uga Girls’ High School in Aguata Local Government Area.

Represented by the programme’s Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Chinwe Ekwelie, Dr. Onyefulu said the school gardens would be supported with improved cassava stems and other crop seedlings to boost food production and enhance practical nutrition education.

She noted that schools play a vital role in achieving the programme’s nutrition objectives by equipping students with knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture and healthy food choices.

According to her, the programme will continue to monitor the gardens to ensure compliance with good agricultural practices and maximise the impact of the initiative, describing nutrition as a key component of the Value Chain Development Programme.

Mrs. Ekwelie explained that the establishment of school gardens is ongoing in the programme’s nine participating local government areas, with Uga Girls’ High School, St. Paul’s Academy Secondary School, Achalla, Madonna Secondary School, Umunze, St. Peter’s Secondary School, Achina, and Community Secondary School, Mgbakwu, already recording active participation by students.

She added that the initiative would be expanded to include more schools across Anambra State, with the goal of strengthening nutrition education, improving agricultural knowledge and encouraging future generations to embrace farming.