Ibrahim Ibrahim
Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has expressed satisfaction with the way farmers in Jigawa State are embracing modern farming techniques, describing their commitment as a major step toward achieving food security and agricultural transformation in the state.
The Deputy Country Director of SAA, Dr. Abdulhamid Gambo, made the commendation during a two-day media field visit to four communities in Taura, Dutse, and Birnin Kudu Local Government Areas.
Dr. Gambo said the mission of SAA is to work with farmers to promote agricultural value chains across production, nutrition, processing, value addition, and marketing of agricultural products.
He disclosed that the Association and the Jigawa State Government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve agronomic practices and agricultural extension services.
“Recently, the state paid $100,000 as counterpart funding to scale up our activities. This year, Sasakawa is targeting 9,000 direct beneficiaries across 34 communities in the state,” Dr. Gambo stated.
He commended Governor Umar Namadi for his administration’s commitment to improving agriculture and supporting farmers in the state.
Dr. Gambo also praised the farmers for their resilience, innovation, and willingness to adopt new technologies.
“We are proud to associate with the state and its farmers. We have seen cases where farmers have used their proceeds to invest in other business ventures, creating additional sources of income beyond agriculture,” he said.
According to him, the Sasakawa Africa Association has transformed the lives of smallholder farmers in Jigawa through the provision of improved seeds, fertilizers, and capacity-building training designed to boost productivity and income generation.
Some beneficiaries who spoke during the field visit shared how SAA’s intervention had improved their yields and economic independence.
One of them, Buhari Rabiu from Chadan community in Birnin Kudu, said Sasakawa guided them on good agronomic practices and provided improved rice seeds and fertilizers.
“Sasakawa taught us modern rice planting methods that are more productive and less labor-intensive. Before, I used to harvest six bags of rice, but now I harvest eleven. I don’t think I will ever go back to the old method,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Safiyanu Ahmadu from Baranda in Dutse Local Government, said Sasakawa also encouraged them to work in groups and save collectively for future farming seasons.
He, however, appealed for support in providing rice and groundnut processing machines to ease their operations and add value to their produce.
The State Technical Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, commended SAA for its commitment to training farmers and extension workers on modern farming techniques.
He reiterated the state government’s resolve to continue supporting the Sasakawa Africa Association in achieving its agricultural development objectives in Jigawa State.