In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity in Kano State, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), and the Kano State Government, has deployed modern farming equipment and infrastructure including 12 combine harvesters, Hijet mini vans, smart irrigation systems, as well as complete welding and fabrication kits to support local farm equipment fabricators.
These resources are being utilized by the Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP) to boost farming productivity in rural areas.
The initiative aims to create resilient agro-pastoral systems while tackling critical issues such as low agricultural productivity, poor soil conditions, and the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at a high-level workshop on agricultural transformation, SAA Chairman, Dr. Amit Roy, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to innovation and resilience in agriculture. He noted the achievements of the KSADP project, emphasizing that SAA has been instrumental in the crop value chain component by addressing major challenges and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, President of SAA, highlighted the organization’s efforts in addressing major challenges such as climate change, the increasing cost of fertilizers, and soil health, all while ensuring that farmers’ welfare is prioritized. He also stressed the need for job creation, particularly for women and youth, within the agricultural value chain.
SAA Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, provided an update on the project’s substantial progress in improving the livelihoods of farmers in Kano.
Through the KSADP project, 5,348 clusters have been established for capacity building, agro-processing centers and solar drying facilities have been set up, and market linkages for farmers have been strengthened. These initiatives have improved the productivity and competitiveness of cereals and vegetables in the state.
Dr. Atser further noted that the project has made considerable progress in enhancing the livelihoods of Kano farmers, and that the meeting served as a platform to explore further engagement and expansion of successful initiatives.