The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Youth in Agribusiness Compact Team has visited the Katsina Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project team to explore collaboration aimed at strengthening agricultural innovation, youth participation and sustainable agribusiness development in the state.
The visit provided an opportunity for both teams to identify practical interventions that could improve agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities and strengthen youth- and women-led enterprises across the agricultural value chain.
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Receiving the delegation, the Katsina ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Alhaji Nafiu Mohammed Musa, said the objectives of the two organisations were closely aligned, particularly in agricultural development, youth empowerment, food security, improved productivity and sustainable livelihoods.
He expressed appreciation to the IITA team for the visit, noting that stronger collaboration between the organisations could create new opportunities for farmers, young people and women involved in agriculture and agribusiness.
Nafiu said the Katsina State Government, under Governor Dikko Umar Radda, had continued to prioritise agriculture as a key driver of economic development and improved livelihoods.
He said the administration was supporting farmers through initiatives aimed at increasing production, improving access to agricultural inputs and creating opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in the agricultural sector.
The Project Coordinator highlighted some interventions implemented by the Katsina ACReSAL Project, including the establishment of a demonstration farm in Kabukawa and the distribution of improved seeds, farm equipment and fertiliser to farmers at no cost.
He added that ACReSAL had continued to engage farming communities to improve productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Team Lead and IITA Youth in Agribusiness Compact Leader, Mr. Noel Mulinganya, said the engagement was aimed at improving the business of agriculture, increasing production, promoting diversification and strengthening processing across the agricultural value chain.
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Mulinganya said IITA provides capacity building and technical assistance to support the establishment and expansion of youth-led enterprises, while also working to improve agricultural systems and create opportunities for young people and women.
He disclosed that IITA currently operates in 19 African countries and several states across Nigeria.
According to him, the organisation remains committed to ensuring that agricultural innovations reach farming communities and contribute to improved productivity and food security.
Mulinganya said the team was in Katsina to identify new opportunities that could benefit youth and women groups, adding that engagement with farmers would help IITA better understand their challenges and determine appropriate areas of support.
He said discussions with the ACReSAL team would also enable IITA to understand the local context, identify applicable interventions and make necessary adjustments to ensure that its programmes respond effectively to community needs.
The IITA team leader added that the visit would help identify opportunities in employment and agribusiness and develop practical solutions for farmers, youth and women across the state.
Following the meeting, the IITA and Katsina ACReSAL teams visited selected Community Interest Groups (CIGs) in Mani House, Kabukawa, Kofar Sauri and Kaita Road in Katsina metropolis, as well as Katoge and Abdallawa.
The teams interacted with beneficiaries, assessed ongoing agricultural activities and listened to the experiences and challenges of members of the selected communities.
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The exercise is expected to provide useful feedback on the realities facing farmers, youth groups and other agricultural stakeholders and help guide the design of relevant and practical interventions in Katsina State.