Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Nigeria has begun distributing certified seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals to 9,000 smallholder farmers across six states: Kano, Jigawa, Gombe, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kwara, marking the official rollout of its 2025 wet season farming program.
Funded by The Nippon Foundation, the initiative is designed to boost food production, increase household incomes, and encourage climate-smart farming practices in rural communities.
According to a statement from SAA Nigeria’s Communication Officer, Moses Nongoatse, an additional 45,000 farmers are expected to benefit indirectly through knowledge-sharing and access to regenerative agriculture methods.
Before the distribution, SAA trained 116 frontline extension agents under its Preseason Training-of-Trainers program.
These agents will work directly with farmers to teach improved farming techniques and promote the adoption of regenerative agriculture in their communities.
SAA is also setting up 360 demonstration plots across 90 rural communities as part of its field activities.
These plots will serve as Farmer Learning Platforms, showcasing practices such as intercropping, relay cropping, Urea Deep Placement, mulching, integrated pest and weed management, and soil fertility improvement tailored to local conditions.
Speaking at the launch in Kano, the Managing Director of Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Dr. Farouk Kurawa, represented by SAA Kano State Coordinator, Kassim Safiyyanu, commended the association’s consistent support.
He described SAA as “a dependable and visionary development partner,” adding that “early input distribution sets the tone for a productive season and motivates our farmers to adopt early planting, which is critical for optimal yields.”
SAA Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, said the organisation’s work has directly improved crop yields among smallholder farmers over the past three decades.
“For more than 30 years, we have worked side by side with Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, delivering practical, field-tested innovations,” he stated.
He noted that maize yields have increased from 1.9 MT/ha to 5.5 MT/ha, rice from 1.8 MT/ha to 6 MT/ha, and soybean and cowpea from 0.6 MT/ha to 2.5 MT/ha due to SAA’s interventions combining improved inputs, extension support, and community-based learning.
In Gombe State, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, described the intervention as a welcome boost to rural livelihoods.
“SAA has consistently demonstrated a high level of commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods in our state,” he said. “Their interventions, especially in training, extension support, and timely input delivery, have contributed meaningfully to nutrition, food security, and economic development.”
SAA’s Technical Coordinator for Regenerative Agriculture, Dr. Bello Shehu, reminded field teams to follow guidelines strictly when setting up demonstration plots.
In Nasarawa State, SAA State Coordinator Mrs. Salome Sabo said, “This input distribution is not just about seeds and fertilisers; it is a clear affirmation of SAA’s leadership in the sector.”
She added that early support allows farmers to plan and adopt new practices that increase their yields and incomes.
As the season unfolds, SAA Nigeria plans to deepen its work with government bodies, development organisations, and farmer groups to strengthen regenerative farming and promote sustainable agriculture at the grassroots level.
Dr. Atser noted, “The 2025 wet season program is more than a seasonal intervention. It is a catalyst for transforming smallholder agriculture into a resilient, sustainable engine of national food security and rural prosperity.”
