Kano: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme has empowered no fewer than 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers in Kano. Dr Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, stated this in a statement on Monday following the ongoing Field Day activity in Kano. The activity aimed to connect smallholder farmers to viable markets and was a crucial step towards reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ incomes.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lack of reliable buyers has long caused losses for tomato farmers, and SAPZ’s core goal is to ensure market access. Through a series of training sessions on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and the provision of a full package of inputs, SAPZ is equipping farmers with the necessary tools to improve productivity and profitability. The initiative is being piloted in Kura and Bagwai LGAs, aiming to reach 14,000 farmers across 16 LGAs in Kano. The first phase of SAPZ is underway in eight states, including Kano and FCT, with more to be added in the second phase.
Mr Isah Ibrahim, a tomato farmer from Watari Cluster in Bagwai LGA and one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the programme, calling it a ‘turning point’ for tomato farmers. He noted that before the programme, farming was not fully understood as a business, but with SAPZ’s training and support, the approach to farming has changed. Ibrahim reported that efficient use of agricultural inputs significantly boosted his yields, and SAPZ tackled market access issues by linking tomato farmers with off-takers who buy at favourable prices.
Rice farmer Mallama Hafsat thanked SAPZ, IFAD, and the Kano government for support that led to a bumper harvest. Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Hafsat acknowledged that prior to SAPZ’s intervention, traditional farming methods yielded poor results. With training on good agronomic practices and access to critical farm inputs, her farming experience has been significantly transformed. Hafsat shared that the improved harvest allowed her to finance her daughter’s wedding, even after the death of her husband.