Obasanjo to chair high-level agric workshop in Kano

Kano State is set to host a high-level workshop on October 7-8, 2024, focusing on agricultural transformation through the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)-funded Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP). Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will chair the event, which aims to showcase the achievements of KSADP and foster discussions on replicating its success across other states. The workshop will feature over 20 state governors, representatives from 10 African countries, and officials from the IsDB.

Organized by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) in collaboration with the IsDB and the Kano State Government, the workshop’s theme, “Agricultural Transformation and What Works: Reflections from the Crop Value Chain of the KSADP,” highlights the successes of the KSADP in promoting sustainable agricultural growth through investments in climate-smart agriculture, livestock, dam development, and post-harvest loss reduction.

The event will include the launch of a large-scale mechanization initiative for Kano farmers, presentations by IsDB on accessing agricultural development funding, and the launch of a book titled “”Sasakawa Africa Association: Three Decades of Fight against Poverty and Hunger in Nigeria.””

Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director of SAA Nigeria, emphasized that the KSADP has significantly enhanced agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and peaceful coexistence between crop and livestock farmers in Kano. The workshop will provide a platform for other state governors to explore similar IsDB-funded projects to drive agricultural growth in their regions.
Source- Tribune

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The upcoming workshop chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders in the agri-food sector to learn from the transformative agricultural initiatives implemented in Kano State through the KSADP. The involvement of multiple state governors, African representatives, and the IsDB highlights the importance of collaboration and investment in agriculture to achieve economic growth and food security.

Key Insights and Opportunities for Agri-Food Stakeholders:

Success of the KSADP as a Model for Agricultural Transformation: The KSADP has made remarkable strides in enhancing agricultural productivity through climate-smart agriculture, livestock management, and infrastructure development. These achievements serve as a model that can be adapted to other states, thereby transforming regional agricultural sectors across Nigeria.
The initiative’s emphasis on post-harvest loss reduction and value chain improvements is crucial for increasing the competitiveness of local farmers, enhancing food security, and minimizing wastage. Stakeholders in other regions should explore similar projects to improve the productivity and profitability of their own agricultural value chains.

Focus on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Private Sector Engagement: The KSADP’s focus on climate-smart agriculture and private sector involvement is vital for building resilience in the face of climate change and reducing dependency on traditional, resource-intensive farming methods. State governments and private investors must recognize the importance of climate-smart approaches, especially as changing weather patterns continue to impact agricultural yields.
Encouraging private sector investment in agriculture—through mechanization, value addition, and infrastructure development—offers a pathway to create sustainable agricultural growth that benefits farmers, enhances supply chain efficiencies, and generates employment opportunities.

Capacity Building and Mechanization Support: The announcement of a large-scale mechanization support initiative for Kano’s farmers underscores the critical need for modernizing agricultural practices. Mechanization reduces labor costs, increases yields, and contributes to the competitiveness of agricultural products in both local and international markets. Stakeholders should prioritize similar investments in mechanization to bridge the productivity gap between Nigerian farmers and their global counterparts.
Additionally, capacity-building initiatives play an essential role in ensuring farmers have the knowledge and skills to make the most of new technologies. Programs that provide e-extension services, agribusiness development training, and support for women and youth should be scaled up to empower all members of farming communities.

Regional and Continental Collaboration: The workshop will see participation from representatives of 10 African countries, reflecting the broader continental interest in the success of the KSADP. This creates an opportunity for collaboration beyond national borders, enabling knowledge sharing and the implementation of best practices across African countries. Stakeholders should leverage such platforms to foster partnerships that strengthen the entire African agricultural value chain.
The participation of the IsDB and other development partners also signals the importance of international funding and technical assistance in driving agricultural transformation. States should explore partnerships with international agencies and institutions to mobilize resources for impactful projects similar to the KSADP.

Emphasis on Value Chains for Staple Crops and Vegetables: The KSADP focuses on staple crops like rice, maize, sorghum, and millet, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and cabbage. This approach is crucial for ensuring food security and diversifying farm incomes. Stakeholders should prioritize interventions that strengthen the value chains for these essential commodities, as this will enhance both food availability and economic stability.

Strategic Recommendations for Stakeholders:
Replication of the KSADP Model: State governments should collaborate with the IsDB and other international development partners to replicate the KSADP model. By focusing on climate-smart practices, infrastructure development, and value chain strengthening, states can significantly enhance their agricultural productivity and resilience.

Investment in Mechanization and Technology:Agri-businesses and policymakers should advocate for investments in agricultural mechanization to increase efficiency and reduce the physical burden on farmers. Mechanization initiatives should be complemented by capacity-building programs to ensure farmers can effectively use modern technologies.

Gender Mainstreaming and Youth Engagement: To ensure inclusive growth, agricultural initiatives must prioritize gender mainstreaming and youth engagement. Programs that empower women and youth through access to finance, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities should be expanded to maximize the impact of agricultural transformation.

Strengthening Post-Harvest Value Chains:Reducing post-harvest losses is essential for maximizing the value derived from agricultural production. Stakeholders should invest in cold storage facilities, processing units, and efficient transportation systems to enhance the value chain and ensure farmers earn fair returns for their produce.

Leveraging Workshops and Conferences for Advocacy: Workshops like the one being held in Kano provide an ideal platform for advocating for policy changes and garnering support for agricultural initiatives. Stakeholders should actively participate in such events to influence  policy, secure funding, and forge partnerships that drive agricultural development.
The KSADP has set an exemplary precedent for agricultural transformation in Nigeria. By focusing on sustainable practices, mechanization, and value chain enhancement, stakeholders can drive the growth of the agri-food sector, improve rural livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s economic diversification efforts.