IFAD-SAPZ empowers 1,009 farmers in Kano
In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme has empowered 1,009 farmers in Kano State, with 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers benefiting from the initiative.
Dr. Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, highlighted the programme’s role in linking smallholder farmers to viable markets—addressing long-standing issues such as post-harvest losses and unreliable off-takers. The initiative, currently being piloted in Kura and Bagwai Local Government Areas (LGAs), aims to expand its reach to 14,000 farmers across 16 LGAs in Kano.
SAPZ’s first phase is actively running in eight states, including Kano and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with more states set to be integrated in subsequent phases.
As part of its intervention, SAPZ has provided farmers with training on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and facilitated access to critical farm inputs, ensuring improved productivity. Beneficiaries like Isah Ibrahim, a tomato farmer from Watari Cluster, attested to the transformative impact, noting that his yield per hectare has significantly increased. Prior to the programme, he harvested tomatoes between six to seven times per hectare. With SAPZ’s intervention, he anticipates up to ten additional harvests due to improved farming techniques.
Rice farmer Mallama Hafsat echoed similar sentiments, revealing how SAPZ’s training on nursery preparation and proper plant spacing has resulted in higher yields. She emphasized how the financial gains from increased productivity allowed her to fund her daughter’s wedding—an achievement she credited to the programme’s intervention.
Farmers also expressed relief as SAPZ has successfully tackled market access issues, linking them to off-takers who now purchase produce directly from farms at competitive prices. This shift reduces post-harvest losses and enhances profitability for smallholder farmers in the state.
The SAPZ initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to revolutionize agriculture through sustainable practices, value chain optimization, and market-driven solutions.
Source: Guardian
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The SAPZ programme represents a critical step toward commercializing smallholder farming in Nigeria by integrating market access with productivity enhancements. However, stakeholders across the agribusiness value chain must consider key factors to maximize the impact of this initiative:
- Market-Driven Agricultural Transformation
One of SAPZ’s major breakthroughs is securing off-takers for farmers, addressing a fundamental challenge in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. To ensure long-term success, agribusiness investors and cooperatives should explore structured contract farming agreements that provide farmers with price stability while guaranteeing processors a steady supply of raw materials. - Scaling Up Climate-Smart and Precision Farming
With tomato farmers now experiencing increased harvest cycles and rice farmers adopting improved agronomic practices, there is an opportunity to further integrate climate-smart techniques such as precision irrigation, soil fertility management, and pest-resistant seed varieties. Agritech firms should collaborate with SAPZ to introduce smart monitoring tools that enhance farm efficiency. - Strengthening Access to Finance and Inputs
While SAPZ has provided essential farm inputs, sustainable productivity will depend on continued access to quality inputs beyond the programme’s support. Financial institutions should develop customized credit facilities for SAPZ-backed farmers, ensuring affordability and timely access to fertilizers, seeds, and mechanization services. - Expanding Agro-Processing to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses
Connecting farmers to buyers is a great step, but further investment in agro-processing infrastructure within SAPZ zones will enhance value addition. Tomato paste production, rice milling, and other processing ventures should be incentivized to absorb surplus harvests and stabilize prices in the long term. - Policy Support for Agro-Industrial Growth
The government must provide policy incentives such as tax breaks and infrastructure investments to attract private-sector participation in SAPZ. Additionally, monitoring mechanisms should be put in place to evaluate SAPZ’s impact and ensure that its benefits are equitably distributed across farming communities.
Final Takeaway for Agribusiness Players
The SAPZ initiative holds immense potential to reshape Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by making farming more market-oriented and profitable. However, success hinges on the sustainability of input supply chains, investment in processing, and continued private-sector collaboration. Agribusiness stakeholders should actively engage with SAPZ’s framework to drive long-term economic gains and strengthen Nigeria’s food security.
