The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has introduced a three-year initiative to increase maize and soybean productivity while improving market competitiveness for 100,000 small-scale farmers in Kaduna and Niger states.

The programme, supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), strongly focuses on women and young people, ensuring long-term, sustainable farming outcomes.

During the inception meeting held in Kaduna, SAA Country Director, Dr Godwin Atser, stated that the project has been designed to secure lasting food security through sustainable agricultural practices. 

He noted that 50 per cent of the beneficiaries are women, 40 per cent are youth, and five per cent are people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in agricultural development.

Atser said the initiative adopts a market systems approach that links farmers with the private sector to secure quality seeds, improved farming techniques and access to stable buyers.

“This time, we are ensuring sustainability by giving farmers guaranteed markets and engaging private actors to support seed access and knowledge transfer,” he said.

AGRA Programme Officer, Esther Ibrahim, highlighted persistent challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including poor soil fertility, low-yielding crop varieties, weak access to finance and inefficient supply chains.

She clarified that the programme will strengthen extension and input delivery systems, facilitate certified seed multiplication and distribution, support farmer cooperatives, and increase maize and soybean productivity by at least 35 per cent.

“Farming is no longer just farming as usual; it is a business, and farmers should earn more from it,” Ibrahim added.

Representing the Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Deputy Director Vasty Shamaki stressed that enhancing farm productivity would support producers and consumers while boosting the wider economy.

FMuhammad Ali from Niger State said he expects to gain knowledge on climate-resilient practices and post-harvest value addition. 

In contrast, Kaduna farmer Idris Gambo hopes to adopt innovative technologies and cascade training to others.

The programme is co-implemented by AFEX, Premier Seeds and Da All Green Seeds in collaboration with state agricultural agencies.

Source: NAN