In a bid to revolutionize agriculture and enhance climate resilience, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched a N100 million Climate-Smart Agribusiness Empowerment Scheme aimed at supporting smallholder farmers across the state.
The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday in Katsina, is a collaborative effort between the state government and the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD).
Governor Radda revealed that the state has contributed N36.25 million to the programme, with AUDA-NEPAD providing the remaining N63.75 million.
“This is a deliberate investment in our people and our economy.
“We want our farmers to move from subsistence to commercial production using smarter, climate-resilient approaches,” Governor Radda said.
He emphasized that the programme is not just about disbursing funds, but about creating real impact on the ground.
“Our extension agents must follow up closely. Monitoring and evaluation will be key to assessing the real impact of this initiative. Let us work together to make sure these resources are not wasted,” he added.
The scheme is designed to modernize Katsina’s agricultural sector by promoting sustainable practices, providing access to improved inputs, and strengthening value chains.
Governor Radda directed agricultural extension workers and key stakeholders to ensure the efficient use of resources and training under the programme.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, Hon. Salisu Jabiru Tsauri, said the programme aligns national efforts with Africa-wide development goals.
“This is a strategic alignment between national priorities and continental agricultural objectives. It provides farmers with improved seeds, modern tools, and critical market linkages,” he explained.
He added that several key interventions will be rolled out under the scheme, including the repair and construction of essential dams, procurement of over 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer for the 2025 farming season, and distribution of solar-powered irrigation systems.
Also speaking at the launch, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Maryam Sodangi, highlighted the long-term vision embedded in the initiative.
“This empowerment scheme reflects our commitment to building climate-resilient farming systems. It is about laying the foundation for food security in the face of environmental changes,” she said.
The Climate-Smart Agribusiness Empowerment Scheme is expected to serve as a cornerstone of Katsina’s broader agricultural transformation strategy, ensuring that the state’s farmers are equipped for both present challenges and future opportunities.
