Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has lauded the Sasakawa Africa Association (SSA) and the Kano Agro-pastoral Development Project (KSADP) for empowering farmers and accelerating food production across the state.
Speaking on Monday in Kano at an agricultural workshop themed “Agricultural Transformation and What Works,” the governor, represented by his deputy, Aminu AbdulSalam, highlighted the significant impact of the program on the lives of the people.
He emphasized the need for transparency and result-driven projects to be sustained for broader impact in the state’s agricultural sector.
The governor noted that the KSADP, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Lives and Livelihood Fund, has promoted the development of agro-pastoral production in the state.
Yusuf detailed that the program had trained 854 front-line extension workers in various agricultural value chains, equipping them with 220 motorcycles, 380 tablets for data collection, and monthly stipends.
“The project has established and supported 5,348 farming clusters with capacity building and inputs for enhancing grain and vegetable production, and 1,237 clusters to strengthen the seed system. It has also established 54 agro-processing centres, three parabolic vegetable solar drying centres, and 23 onion solar drying facilities, and has empowered benefiting communities with starter packs,” Yusuf said.
He commended the IsDB and other partners for organizing the workshop and providing essential support services to farmers in Kano.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Sasakawa Africa Association, Dr. Amit Roy, spoke about the organization’s 32-year history of implementing agricultural interventions in Nigeria. He also praised Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, for his continued support in enhancing food security across Africa.
“Farmers hold the key to the continent’s future. Key players in the agricultural value chain can make agriculture both profitable and inspiring to the youth,” Roy stated.
He further noted that the journey of the Sasakawa Africa Association has been one of growth and transformation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with farmers and adapting to their needs.
“KSADP is a shining example of how partnerships between governments, international organizations, and technical experts can lead to sustainable change,” Roy added.
The event also featured presentations from stakeholders who praised the Kano government and its partners for supporting crop and livestock production to boost food security in the state.
(NAN)
