The KSADP, a $90 million project funded by IsDB aims to transform smallholder farming and develop small-scale agribusiness across the crop and livestock value chains in Kasno’s 44 local government areas. SAA Nigeria is responsible for implementing the crop sub-component under a $21.31 million sub-grant by the state, to enhance agricultural productivity through access to inputs, value addition, climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development, farmer training, postharvest loss reduction, and market access.

The workshop, themed, Agricultural Transformation and What Works: Reflections from the Crop Value Chain of the Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), was chaired by former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by Mr. Vitalis Ortese.  It provided an avenue to showcase the successes of the KSADP and explore  IsDB financing opportunities for  agriculture in other states. The 235 participants included commissioners of agriculture, state government representatives and representatives of international development agency officials, private sector, education and research institutions as well as farmers. Additionally, participants from IsDB member countries—Benin, Niger, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea Conakry—were in attendance.

After field visits to KSADP/SAA project sites, where they interacted with beneficiaries, representatives from  Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina and Benue States, expressed admiration for the project’s impact on Kano’s agricultural sector. They conveyed their willingness to replicate the model in their states which are among the major agriculture hubs in Nigeria.

In a significant step forward, the Agriculture Commissioners of Gombe and Jigawa States signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the SAA Nigeria, renewing decade-long partnerships aimed at advancing agricultural development in their states.

Representing the Kano State Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Gwarzo, highlighted that the KSADP has become a foundation for the growth in other sectors in the state including micro, small and medium enterprises. He extended an invitation for collaboration to other states interested in replicating the KSADP model.

Dr. Nizar Zaied, Head of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development at IsDB, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting Nigerian states in achieving their agricultural goals. He noted that Nigeria, a key shareholder in the IsDB, has received $2.1 billion in development financing, with the most recent approval in March 2024 for the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure project.

Dr Amit Roy, SAA Board Chairman expressed gratitude to the IsDB, the Kano State Government and other partners for their collaboration in making the KSADP a success. He emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in achieving impactful results.

Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, the chairman of the Nippon Foundation expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Government and the Kano State Government for the long-standing support of SAA’s operations since 1992. SAA President, Dr. Matoko Kitanaka affirmed the organization’s commitment to listening to farmers, especially in addressing the balance between environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity in the face of climate change. He added that SAA plans to leverage digital tools to expand its interventions across communities.

SAA Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, praised Kano as a model for food security and climate resilience through massive investments bagged by political will. Dr. Atser commended states looking to replicate the KSADP and urged them to explore IsBD’s agricultural financing options. “You have seen it happening in Kano. It can happen in your state even at a greater scale. Sasakawa will be there to support you,” he told participants.

A cross-section of participants at the just concluded KSADP/SAA/IsDB high-level workshop in Kano.

During the event, the Kano State Government flagged off a mechanization support initiative, distributing combine harvesters, minivans, solar-powered water pumps, and other agricultural equipment to farmers.

Additionally, SAA honored former IsDB Vice President for Country Programs, Dr Mansur Mukhtar, now Board Chairman of the Bank of Industry, with an award of excellence. The event also saw the launch of the book “Sasakawa Africa Association: Three Decades of Fight against Poverty and Hunger in Nigeria”, by Prof Mohammed Khalid Othman.

Accompanied media coverage:

1. Prime Time News: Sasakawa-KSADP Boost Food Security in Kano State – Yusuf
2. Newsworth Magazine: Gov. Yusuf Commends Sasakawa Africa Association and KSADP for Boosting Food Security
3. Nigerian Tribune: Sasakawa Facilitates Deployment of 12 Combine Harvesters, Smart Irrigation System to Kano