From Edirin Robinson, in Kaduna
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has launched a three-year project aimed at enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of 100,000 smallholder farmers in the Maize-Soybeans Farming System in Kaduna and Niger states.
The project, funded by AGRA and implemented by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), AFEX, Premier Seeds, and Da-Allgreen Seeds Limited, seeks to build a sustainable market system that ensures farmers can make a continuous profit and afford improved inputs after the project ends in 2028.
Project Objectives and Goals
Esther Ibrahim, Program Director for AGRA, emphasized that the project aligns with national and state goals, focusing on treating farming as a business to sustain the livelihoods of farmers.
She stated that the project aims to strengthen farmers’ competitiveness against the high cost of inputs and allow them to have a stake in the gains.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Ibrahim explained that AGRA will collaborate with state governments, the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture, and Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), along with multiple aggregators and processors in the private sector.
She highlighted the importance of partnerships with organizations such as SAA, Afex Investment Ltd, Premier Seeds, and Da All Green Seeds, among others.
Godwin Atser, Country Director for SAA, announced that the project targets 100,000 farmers from both states, with 50% of beneficiaries consisting of women farmers, 40% youths, and 10% men. He emphasized that the project’s goal is to improve the productivity of key crops and solve issues related to poverty, ultimately improving the livelihoods of farmers.
Murtala Mohammed Dabo, Kaduna State Commissioner of Agriculture, represented by Deputy Director Bassi Zakaria, stated that the project will benefit not only farmers but also the state and Nigeria as a whole. He emphasized that improving farmers’ productivity and competitiveness is crucial for everybody, as it affects the entire value chain.
Mohammed Alibaba, a farmer from Niger State, expressed his desire to learn new techniques, especially with the challenges posed by climate change. He hopes for a ‘train the trainer’ program to spread knowledge and support in value addition to combat the fall in the value of raw produce. Idris Gambo, a farmer from Kaduna State, expressed gratitude to the organizers, stating that the project will have a direct impact on his family’s welfare.
