The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has hosted stakeholder engagement for smallholder farmers in Northern Nigeria in Minna on Friday, 27 March 2026.
Funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) sought to create direct linkages between farmers, input suppliers, and financial institutions ahead of the 2026 rainy season.
Focused on the maize and soybean farming systems in Niger and Kaduna States, the project is to reach 100,000 beneficiaries, specifically targeting a demographic split of 50 per cent women and 40 per cent youth and 10 per cent persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive economic growth.
The forum provided a platform for farmer groups, seed companies, and agro-dealers to negotiate and build trust before the commencement of planting.
Project Coordinator, Mr Isaac Eni explained that the initiative is titled “Enhancing the Productivity and Competitiveness of Smallholder Farmers in the Maize-Soybean Farming System in Nigeria.”
Eni stated, “With farmers preparing for the season, this session is designed to connect them directly with input suppliers and financial institutions for timely access to quality inputs and services.”
He further disclosed that a key outcome was the facilitation of intent agreements to promote transparency in pricing and business relationships.
To ensure the technical success of the project, extension agents and Community-Based Advisors have been trained in modern agronomic practices and post-harvest handling.
However, the prevalence of counterfeit products remains a significant hurdle. Alhaji Adamu Yahaya, Director of Produce and Pest Control at the Niger Ministry of Agriculture, noted that the state established a task force to monitor dealers.
“Farmers have suffered losses due to fake products. We have seized and destroyed counterfeit agrochemicals worth about N100 million and prosecuted offenders,” Yahaya said.
The impact of the engagement was echoed by local participants who highlighted the rising costs of fertilisers and the difficulty in identifying genuine inputs.
Abubakar Kolo, a farmer from the Bosso Local Government Area, described the session as timely for improving yield potential.
“We spend a lot on inputs, but do not always get good yields. This engagement has shown us how to identify quality products,” he remarked.
The project covers eight Local Government Areas in Niger, including Bosso, Lavun, Lappai, Paikoro, Gurara, Bida, Wushishi, and Agaie, providing a comprehensive support structure from soil preparation to market linkages.
Source: NAN
