By Agrobroadcast Team
Farmers cultivating maize and soybean in Niger State are set to adopt improved, climate-resilient farming practices under a new agricultural support programme designed to raise yields and enhance competitiveness.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) with funding from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), is expected to directly impact no fewer than 40,000 smallholder farmers in the state.
Speaking at a Training of Trainers session in Minna, the SAA Project Coordinator, Mr. Isaac Eni, explained that the capacity-building exercise was part of a broader three-year programme titled Enhancing the Productivity and Competitiveness of Smallholder Farmers in the Maize-Soybean Farming System in Niger and Kaduna States.
Under the scheme, 44 extension personnel drawn from eight local government areas in Niger State have been trained in climate intelligence, improved agronomic techniques and digital communication tools to support farmers more effectively.
Eni disclosed that the overall project targets 100,000 farmers across Niger and Kaduna States, with women expected to account for at least 50 per cent of participants along the maize and soybean value chains.
He noted that smallholder farmers in the two states continue to grapple with multiple constraints, including limited access to certified seeds, suboptimal farming practices, weak post-harvest management systems and inadequate market information. Poor rural infrastructure and unstable commodity prices, he added, have further eroded their competitiveness.
According to him, the project aims to raise productivity by a minimum of 30 per cent, expand farmers’ access to premium markets through cooperative strengthening and contract farming arrangements, and foster better coordination among actors within the value chain.
The training programme was designed to equip extension agents and Community-Based Advisors with the skills required to conduct step-down training in their respective communities, particularly ahead of the establishment of demonstration plots.
Participants received guidance on interpreting climate data, translating seasonal forecasts into practical farm-level decisions, and deploying digital tools for reporting and farmer engagement. Technical sessions facilitated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) focused on understanding rainfall predictions and aligning planting schedules with weather advisories.
The training also covered climate-smart agriculture practices in Northern Nigeria, climate risk assessment in Niger and Kaduna States, improved climate-resilient maize and soybean seed varieties, soil fertility management, and effective planning and monitoring of demonstration plots.
The project, which commenced in September 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in March 2028, is expected to strengthen market linkages, promote contract farming and stimulate greater agricultural investment.
Eni expressed confidence that the trained agents would drive widespread adoption of climate-smart practices at the community level, ultimately improving yields, reducing production risks and positioning smallholder farmers for sustainable growth.