Communities across Jigawa State have praised the Sasakawa Africa Association for supporting smallholder farmers and improving food production through key interventions in the agricultural value chain.
During a media field visit to Birnin Kudu and other rural communities, beneficiaries, mostly rice farmers—said the initiative has enhanced farming techniques, increased yields, and raised household income.
One of the farmers, Buhari Nafi’u from Chandam community in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, said the programme has empowered them with training and farming inputs, enabling faster and better crop production.
“We now harvest in 70 days instead of 90. This year alone, we recorded more yields because of the improved seeds and training provided. Some of us have already started eating from our new harvest,” he said.
Nafi’u added that farmers received free fertilizer, pesticides, and capacity building support, noting that groups of young farmers in the area are now more involved in farming due to Sasakawa’s awareness efforts.
Another beneficiary, Malam Rufai Nasiru, said his farm output increased significantly.
“I harvested eight bags of rice this year compared to five previously. With these improved seeds, I don’t think I will go back to the old variety,” he stated.
In Chuwasu community, Taura Local Government Area, farmer Aminu Babanyara said improved seeds, fertilizer, and training in the use of organic compost and natural soil enhancers have helped triple their yield.
“We doubted the techniques at first, but after two years of trying, the results are clear. Our rice and millet production has greatly improved,” he said.
Women farmers also shared success stories. Representing her group, Malama Amina Abdulrahman said the initiative has opened new business opportunities, including producing Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to support child nutrition.
“We were trained on nutritious food processing and how to work in cooperative clusters. It has changed many lives here,” she explained.
The farmers appealed for additional support such as threshing and milling machines to further ease production challenges.
Communities visited during the assessment include Chandam and Sabon Gari in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, Baranda in Dutse, and Chuwasu in Taura.
USMAN MZ
