KEY POINTS
- Bayelsa collaborates with the World Bank to develop rural road infrastructure and improve agricultural logistics under the RAAMP initiative.
- Governor Diri approves plans for 80km of rural roads, connecting farmers to markets and boosting the state’s blue economy.
- Sustainability frameworks like RARA and SRF ensure long-term funding and maintenance of rural roads, enhancing Bayelsa’s agro-economic potential.
The Bayelsa State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and other stakeholders, is taking decisive steps to strengthen its agricultural sector through the establishment of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
This initiative aims to enhance agro-logistics, improve market access, and develop critical rural infrastructure to support farmers and fishermen.
According to NigerianTribune, Paul Ebienfa, the State Project Coordinator, disclosed the plans during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The meeting brought together representatives from the World Bank, the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), and other key players to align strategies for successful project implementation.
Road networks and market development
The RAAMP initiative focuses on the development, maintenance, and management of rural road networks, a critical factor for improving transportation access for agricultural producers.
According to Ebienfa, the project is jointly funded by the World Bank, the French Development Agency, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Bayelsa State Government.
The ultimate goal is to connect rural farmers and fishermen to markets and fish settlements, thereby stimulating economic growth in the state.
Dr. Ebienfa emphasized that for Bayelsa to qualify for full project funding, it must establish a sustainable framework, including the creation of the Rural Access and Roads Agency (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF). These structures will ensure the continued maintenance of infrastructure and the long-term success of RAAMP.
Strategic roadmap
Although RAAMP is operational in 19 states across Nigeria, Bayelsa is still in the preparatory phase. The state has identified select roads and markets spanning all eight Local Government Areas for inclusion in the project. To demonstrate its commitment, the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the design of 80 kilometers of rural roads.
Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Chairman of RAAMP, highlighted the governor’s proactive stance, stating, “This positions Bayelsa as one of the top states poised to benefit from the program this year. Once these roads are constructed, Bayelsa’s blue economy will flourish, boosting local economic activities.”
Addressing sustainability
Mr. Tarinyo Akono, a former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa, underscored the importance of sustainability during the meeting. “The World Bank mandated the establishment of a sustainability plan, which includes RARA and SRF, to ensure continued funding and maintenance of the roads,” he explained.
The inclusion of private sector funding in the sustainability plan is expected to further enhance the project’s impact.
By addressing logistical and infrastructure challenges, this partnership between the World Bank and Bayelsa State is set to unlock the potential of the region’s agricultural sector, creating opportunities for rural communities and fostering sustainable economic development.
