Adopting SAA strategic investment in agriculture, key to achieving food security

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has showcased the transformative power of strategic investments and partnerships in agriculture, particularly through its involvement in the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP). At the recently concluded High-Level Workshop on Agricultural Transformation, chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, SAA’s interventions were praised for boosting productivity, enhancing value chains, and reducing post-harvest losses. The KSADP project, supported by a $21.31 million sub-grant, significantly improved yields in key crops such as rice, maize, sorghum, and millet, recording over 100% increases in some cases.
SAA’s technical support targeted 450,000 farmers across Kano State, helping them gain access to essential agricultural inputs, mechanization, and market access. The project focuses on regenerative, nutrition-sensitive, and market-oriented agriculture, delivering impactful results in both grain and vegetable value chains. Amit Roy, chair of the SAA, emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and resilience in agriculture through partnerships between governments, international organizations, and experts.
Despite these successes, the full potential of agriculture in Nigeria has yet to be realized, with many challenges—such as climate change, limited access to credit, and inadequate infrastructure—remaining. To address these, the summit called for more investment in rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems and storage facilities, as well as greater private-sector involvement in agricultural innovation, mechanization, and market development.
Source: Businessday

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
SAA’s achievements in Kano State highlight the critical role of strategic investments in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture. The project’s focus on improving yields, reducing post-harvest losses, and promoting value addition sets a model for agribusiness stakeholders across Nigeria. Agribusiness players should draw lessons from the success of the KSADP by embracing regenerative agriculture, investing in mechanization, and leveraging public-private partnerships to scale agricultural productivity.
For stakeholders, the integration of nutrition-sensitive agriculture and value addition is essential in securing both food security and economic sustainability. Furthermore, addressing the challenges of rural infrastructure and climate change adaptation will require innovative financing solutions, such as microcredit schemes and agricultural insurance. Private-sector participation in input supply, mechanization, and market access should also be expanded to drive long-term growth in the agricultural sector.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders:
Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, international organizations, and the private sector is key to addressing systemic issues in agriculture.
Value Chain Development: Agro-processing and value addition can significantly enhance profitability and resilience for smallholder farmers.
Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Investments in climate-resilient crops and technologies are crucial to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Infrastructure Investment: Addressing gaps in irrigation, roads, and storage facilities is necessary for reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access.
Private-Sector Role: Agribusinesses should focus on input supply, mechanization, and building local agro-processing industries to create jobs and enhance farmer incomes.
By fostering these strategic investments and innovations, Nigeria’s agriculture sector can become a pillar for economic transformation and food security across Africa.