Isuikwuato Agriculture Revolution Program (ISAREP)

a) Mobilizing and organizing community members.

b) Educating and enlightening them for appreciation of the opportunities in agriculture to generate interest and passion.

c) Motivating community people to identify fallow lands and opportunities to collaborate with owners and cultivate them.

d) Training and equipping farmers with agricultural best practices.

e) Providing ready farmers with safe species of high-yielding cash crop seeds and improved seedlings for planting.

f) Providing ready farmers with safe organic fertilizers for improved yields that do not endanger our health and environment.

g) Supporting the farmers to plant and nurture the crops and supervising compliance to the guidelines

h) Establishing market linkages and facilitating product distribution.

i) Exploring value chain development opportunities.

1) Associate Prof. Chidi Esike - Chairman

2) Prof. Francis Chuks Chilenye Ogbonnaya - ISAREP Technical Lead

3) Chief Osondu Onyedimara - IDU President General

4) Mr. Teddy I. Kanu - ISAREP Community Land Mobilization Lead

5) Elder Paul M. Iwearu – Field Operations Lead

6) Chief Johnnie Ndukauba PhD - Compliance Lead

7) Chief Ejimofor Okorafor-Nwosu

8) Chief Godswill Egbe, PhD

9) Maduka Stanley Oleka

10) Chief Chinedu Nene

11) Mr. Ezinwanne Akparu

12) Sir Tony Emeka Obasi

a) Isuikwuato Development Union (IDU),

b) Isuikwuato community members

c) Isuikwuato Community Leadership (Ndi-Eze, President Generals, Chairmen, Chairwomen, Youth Leaders, etc.)

d) Isuikwuato Local Government Area Council

e) National Agricultural research institutions (NRCRI, NIHORT, NIFOR)

f) Private sector entities

g) Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

h) Registered Cooperative Farmers within Isuikwuato

ISAREP will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress, measure impact, and adapt strategies as needed. Three field workers residing within the communities will be deployed to work daily in the field for this purpose; they shall be guided by ICF Agriculture Action Group and supervised by ICF Secretariat. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established to assess success at every stage, progress, effects in achieving food security, income generation, employment creation, enhanced socioeconomic activities, infrastructure development, and industry attraction.

a) Significant reduction in hunger and poverty in Isuikwuato.

b) Significant reduction in crime and criminalities resulting from hunger, idleness and despondency within the communities.

c) Increased food production and improved food security for the community.

d) Creation of sustainable employment opportunities in agriculture and related sectors.

e) Increased trade and commercial activities attracted by agriculture products

f) Development of essential infrastructure and social services.

g) Establishment of Isuikwuato as a reliable source for at least three key agricultural products.

h) Attraction of industries to Isuikwuato through the agricultural value chain.

i) Rejuvenation of the socio-economic landscape of Isuikwuato and enhanced community pride.

a) Strong Foundations: Extensive brainstorming and refinement have established a clear and well-defined idea for the program.

b) Stakeholder Engagement: Stakeholders across various levels (ICF, IDU, LGA, community leaders, farmers, Agric research institutions) have been identified, profiled, and strategically engaged to ensure their support and participation.

c) Project Definition and Communication: The project's purpose, goals, and delivery plan have been effectively articulated and communicated to stakeholders, fostering strong understanding and buy-in.

d) Fundraising and Resource Mobilization: Over 30 million naira in pledges and cash has been secured as at January 2024, alongside 10,000 seedling donations from the LGA Mayor. This demonstrates strong community and external support.

e) Community Mobilization and Organization:

 i. Expression of interest forms have been submitted by multiple communities.

ii. Over 50 cooperative societies have been established, showcasing community commitment and preparedness.

iii. Community leadership is actively involved in consolidating the message, addressing concerns, and motivating participation.

iv. Communities are encouraged to identify land for collective farming, facilitating easier supervision and support.

f) Resource Acquisition and Partnerships:

i. Orders for improved seedlings and crops have been placed with research institutions (NRCRI, NIHORT, NIFOR).

ii. Training arrangements for farmers are in place as they are part of the relationship MoUs meant to ensure proper knowledge transfer alongside seedling distribution.

iii. Partnerships with BioAG Probiotic Organic Fertilizer manufacturers secure access to essential agricultural input.

a) The ISAREP committee continues to refine strategies for effective community support through leaders and cooperatives.

b) Ongoing resource mobilization and fundraising efforts aim to secure resources for the envisioned six-year program, positioning ISAREP as a sustainable revolution.

c) State government engagement is being pursued to further strengthen the program's reach and impact.

These achievements demonstrate the strong momentum and dedication behind ISAREP. The program's emphasis on community participation, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships lays a solid foundation for long-term success. The early commitment from stakeholders, community members, and external partners underscores the program's potential to transform Isuikwuato's socio-economic landscape.

ISAREP invites everyone to join the movement! As stated, this is not a one-off effort but a sustained revolution requiring collective support. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer engagement, knowledge sharing, or advocacy, every individual's involvement can contribute to realizing ISAREP's vision of a food-secure, prosperous, and thriving Isuikwuato.

We shall continue to update this document regularly as further progress unfolds to make it more comprehensive showcasing the initiative's momentum and potential.

Ndi Isuikwuato,

We return from yesterday's event basking in the double joy of progress! First, a huge round of applause for the successful launch of the Nunya road construction – a testament to Governor Alex Otti's commitment to Isuikwuato's development and Abia at large. The Governor's presence and the massive turnout at the flag-off showcased our unity and appreciation. This long-awaited infrastructure project will undoubtedly improve our lives.

♦ But what NEXT? 

Infrastructure is just one piece of the puzzle. What truly empowers a community? This is where the Isuikwuato Agriculture Revolution Programme (ISAREP) steps in.

♦ Mark your CALENDARS!

ISAREP launches on April 5th, 2024, at 9:00 AM at Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Mbalano.

♦ Why ISAREP? 

ISAREP isn't just another program. It's our own initiative, born from our collective desire and sacrifices to conquer hunger, poverty, and unlock economic opportunities for Isuikwuato.

♦ Why is ISAREP as important as the Nunya road?

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS:

* Roads are fantastic, but a full stomach makes enjoying them even better.

* ISAREP equips us to achieve food security and financial independence,

* it enables us to secure and maintain all infrastructure, maximize the value of the Nunya road and future infrastructure projects.

Self-reliance:

* ISAREP is by us, for us; it's revolutionary and examplary to all.

* Our involvement in this ISAREP fosters a sense of ownership and commitment, ensuring the program's success. 

* This self-reliance sets Isuikwuato apart and positions us for long-term growth.

Attract More: 

* A thriving Isuikwuato, empowered by ISAREP, will make our people more focused, responsible and productive to live better and attract further investment and development. 

Let's not settle only on this foundational success stories – let's build a future from the grassroots brimming with opportunity!

♦ Our participation in the ISAREP launch is crucial.

It sends a powerful message: 

- Isuikwuato is united and committed to its future. Let's surpass our support for the Nunya road flag-off. 

- Let's show up in force, with the same enthusiasm and generosity that fueled the ISAREP initiative.

♦ Together, through ISAREP, we will:

1. Eradicate hunger and ensure food security for our families.

2. Lift ourselves out of poverty and create a brighter economic future.

3. Become a model community, inspiring others with our self-reliance and determination.

The time to act is now! Join the ISAREP launch on April 5th and be part of the Isuikwuato revolution!