Smallholder farmers in Jigawa State are expressing growing confidence in climate-smart wheat production technologies after demonstration plots established under the SAA/Jigawa State Partnership Project outperformed traditional farming methods. the results are creating new opportunities to improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and enhance food security among wheat-growing communities. The commendation came during a Mega Wheat Farmers’ Field Day held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Gilima Community, Taura Local Government Area, where farmers, extension agents, government officials, and agricultural stakeholders gathered to assess the results of improved wheat production practices promoted under the project.

The event attracted 321 participants and served as a platform to showcase practical solutions to some of the major constraints affecting wheat production in the state, including low yields, climate-related stress, and poor agronomic practices.

Visible Success of Improved Agronomic Practices

The Field Day served as a practical leaning platform where participants observed the performance of improved seeds, quality inputs, technical guidance, and evidence-based agronomic practices such as the drilling planting method and precision fertilizer application, covering the right source, type, rate, timing, and quantity in strengthening productivity and resilience.

Participants had the opportunity to witness clear differences between the demonstration plot and conventional farmer practice, with the improved field showing stronger crop establishment, better field uniformity, and higher seed rate.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Taura Local Government Area, Alhaji Shuaibu Hambali, described SAA as a dependable partner in agricultural development in Jigawa State.

“SAA has proved to be a dependable supporter of smallholder farmers in Jigawa State for over three decades, contributing immensely to strengthening the state’s extension services by building the technical competence of our field staff to continue supporting our farmers,” he said.

SAA Wheat demonstration plots serve as farmer learning platforms for promoting experiential learning in target communities

Voices from the Field: High Hopes for Better Yields

For many of the farmers participating, the field results provided practical evidence that improved technologies and agronomic practices can significantly enhance wheat performance under local conditions.

The host farmer and leader of the Gilima Wheat Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Alhaji Yaro Gilima, said the demonstration had strengthened farmers’ confidence in the technologies introduced through the project.

“What we have seen on this field is very encouraging. The wheat variety is performing better than our traditional varieties, even under changing weather conditions. I will adopt this method on my farm,” he said.

Another farmer, Hajia Bilkisu, said the training had helped farmers understand how simple adjustments in planting and fertilizer use could lead to better yields and income.

“The drilling planting method and proper fertilizer application, which specifies quantity, timing, and placement, have made a clear difference. These practices are simple to follow and give better results. This will help us increase our yield and income,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the event included Hon. Dangabi Kwalam, former Member of the House of Representatives for Taura LGA; the Village Head of Gilima Community; Zulkifilu Abdulkadir Bali, representing Jigawa Farm Mechanization Services; and Abdulrasheed Hamisu Kofarmata, SAA Technical Coordinator on Market-Oriented Agriculture.

Dignitaries at the event applauded SAA’s support in strengthening the Jigawa State Extension system.

Project Background: A Renewed Partnership for the Future

The Field Day forms part of efforts by SAA Nigeria and the Jigawa State Government to improve farmer productivity and livelihoods through the promotion of improved seed varieties, Good Agricultural Practices, and climate-smart agriculture.

The partnership received renewed momentum in October 2025, when the Jigawa State Government signed a five-year addendum to its 2011 Memorandum of Understanding with SAA, reaffirming both parties’ commitment to strengthening agricultural productivity and resilience across the state.

Beyond Production: Post-Harvest Support and Resilience

Speaking on the broader intervention, Mr. Albert Taru, SAA/Jigawa State Project Lead, said the project is also supporting farmers beyond production.

“The project is currently installing post-harvest handling and value addition processing facilities across intervention communities in the state,” he said.

The strong performance of the demonstration plots highlights the potential of climate-smart wheat technologies to improve productivity, strengthen farmer resilience, and contribute to food security in Jigawa State.