Transforming Food Systems in Nigeria
February 2024
A Message from the Country Director
A Message from the Country Director
Dear reader,
Welcome to this edition of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) – newsletter, focusing on Nigeria, where we highlight success stories that exemplify our mission to building resilient and sustainable food systems across Africa.
In Nasarawa State, we witness the power of knowledge as farmer groups transform into biochar entrepreneurs. Their journey, sparked by the Project for the Revitalization of Rice Cooperatives and Decarbonization in Rice Production, demonstrates the impact of regenerative agriculture in action. Not only are they enriching their soil and sequestering carbon, but they are also generating income through innovative regenerative practices. Besides biochar production for soil health and income, we have successfully incubated cassava seed entrepreneurs (CSEs) in Benue and Nasarawa states. Cassava seed entrepreneurs now have multiple income streams from the sales of roots and stems. These stories echo our focus on empowering farmers with both practical skills and market linkages, paving the way for sustainable growth.
Turning to Kano, the story of the Barkum Women Rice Processors stands out. Through the Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), SAA provided essential training in value addition, financial management, and market access. With newfound knowledge and confidence, they secured a loan, expanded their operations, and even repaid the loan within a year. This inspiring story underscores the transformative power of investing in women-led groups, not only improving individual lives but also strengthening the agricultural sector.
These narratives are just a glimpse of how SAA contributes to a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector in Nigeria. Our efforts address various areas, including postharvest management training for extension agents, quality assurance training for farmers, and the introduction of innovative postharvest technologies like Aerated Onion Storage Technology (AOST) to minimize losses.
These stories represent the many individuals and communities transforming their lives through education, skill development, and access to opportunities. Let us continue to support Nigerian farmers in creating a prosperous future for themselves and their communities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Godwin Atser
SAA-Nigeria Country Director
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Farmers in Nasarawa State Harness Biochar and Bokashi to Boost Yields and Incomes
In the Nasarawa State of Nigeria’s North Central region, members of two farmer groups, Dacewa MPCS Shabu and the Apashi-Woza Multipurpose Cooperative groups, are on a journey to improve their yields and income through the production and use of bokashi and biochar. Bokashi is produced by fermenting food and other organic wastes using special bacteria, while biochar is a charcoal-like substance made by burning organic material from agricultural and kitchen wastes. Both bokashi and biochar improve soil nutrient availability, aeration, and water filtration.
The comprehensive training, part of a project funded by the Japanese government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and implemented by SAA, enabled the farmer groups to become proficient in biochar production. Recognizing their potential, SAA linked them to a market for 2,000kg of biochar and bokashi, valued at N158,000 ($166), under its Project for Evidence-based Regenerative Agriculture to Address Climate Change (PHRDG 1). This was a significant turning point, as it instilled a sense of ownership and pride among the farmers beyond income generation. “SAA didn’t just show us how to make biochar and bokashi; they trusted us with this chance,” said Aminu Aliyu, the chairman of Dacewa MPCS Shabu.
The benefits of the biochar training extended beyond their cooperation with neighboring farmers getting a chance to witness its positive effects on crop yields. Demonstration plots revealed a 19% increase in rice production on biochar treated plots compared to conventional farmer practice. This, coupled with the environmental benefits of biochar, spurred local interest, creating a sustainable cycle of knowledge sharing, income growth, and agricultural improvement.
Atebeshi Haliru Aso, chairman of Apashi-Woza MPCS, emphasized the dual benefits of biochar and bokashi: “The environmental gains are just as important as the economic ones. We’re proud to be part of building a more sustainable future.”
Dr Godwin Atser, SAA-Nigeria Country Director, underlined the initiative’s achievements, highlighting the importance of equipping farmers with both production skills. “The success of this project underlines the effectiveness of empowering farmers. The use of biochar and bokashi produced by these groups for the PHRDG-1 project showcases the potential for scalability and significant impact.”
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Women Farmers in Kano Join Forces to Start Strong Trading Group
Eager to escape harsh economic realities, 10 women in the Barkun region of Nigeria’s Kano State teamed up in 2021 to form an association for collective trading, Barkum Women Rice Processors. This move was initiated after training under the Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), implemented by SAA, and which taught the women on value addition, record-keeping, group dynamics, market access, and financial management, among other skills.
“The training was pivotal in helping us manage our finances effectively. We bought rice at N23,400 per bag and sold it at a profit,” said Mrs. Hajara Yusuf, the group’s leader.
Empowered by their diligent record keeping and strategic trading, the association secured a N8.8 million (USD 10,512) loan from JAIZ Bank, which they repaid within a year and remained with N400,000 in savings.
“The KSADP/SAA project has empowered us financially, allowing us to better support our families.”
The association, which has grown to a membership of 38, now aims to leverage the knowledge gained from KSADP/ SAA training to expand their processing operations by acquiring a rice milling machine.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
SAA Trains Extension Agents on Post-Harvest Management and Grain Quality Enhancement
Funded by The Nippon Foundation, SAA organized a program to train 110 extension agents from four states (Gombe, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Kano) on post-harvest loss reduction and the improvement of grain quality.
The topics included harvesting at the right time, proper threshing and drying techniques, and the use of hermetic storage. Additionally, the extension agents were trained in moisture measurement using The Dry Cards and digital meters, aflatoxin prevention through solarization, and chemical-free pest control methods.
A notable 93% of the participants grasped the importance of postharvest management in ensuring food safety. Equipped with training manuals and posters, these agents are now prepared to share the knowledge with farmers in their regions, empowering them to reduce losses and improve their livelihoods.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Extension Agents Trained on Quality Assurance
SAA’s Capacity-building unit teamed up with the Usman Dan Fodio University in Sokoto State and Bayero University in Kano State to launch a short-term certificate course focused on the production of high-quality food products. The course, titled Safe Production: Safe Consumption, sought to counter the inconsistent agricultural practices that affect the marketability of agricultural products.
The training covered topics around the enhancement of market access, reduction of post-harvest risks and losses, lowering mycotoxins in food, and specifications from seed selection to storage. A total of 50 Extension Agents (EAs) – 25 each in Sokoto (8 females, 17 males) and Kano (13 females, 12 males) – participated in the quality assurance (QA) training and are now equipped to champion high-quality food production.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Aerated Onion Storage System Saving Traders from Losses
Realizing that onion traders in Kano state lose up to 50% of their produce due to poor storage, SAA, through the Kano State Agro- Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), introduced the Aerated Onion Storage Technology (AOST) in 2022 to replace the less-effective traditional onion storage systems.
A recent assessment found that AOST reduced losses to 11% of stored products, in comparison to traditional onion storage systems, which had an average loss of 24%. During the pilot, each system stored 1.4 tons of onions, treated identically before storage for four months. The reduction in loss using AOST means that farmers save an additional 190 kg of onions for every ton stored.
This positive outcome underscores the potential benefits and scalability of AOSTs. A wider implementation could support more traders, enhancing the resilience of the onion value chain in Kano state.
NEWS
NEWS
SAA’s Stakeholders Highlight Benefits of Decarbonized Cropping Systems
On February 20, 2024, at the SAA-Nigeria Annual Stakeholder Meeting held at National Agricultural Research Institutes (NAERLS) in Zaria, Nigeria, stakeholders discussed the benefits of decarbonizing cropping systems. The workshop explored the role of climate-smart agriculture in ensuring food security, through discussions and brainstorming sessions focusing on capacity building, extension services, technology adoption, market access, and climate-smart practices.
Dr. Godwin Atser, SAA Nigeria’s Country Director, spoke about the challenges faced by Nigerian farmers, including low productivity, poverty, and climate change. He emphasized the need for interventions like promotion of new seed varieties, proper fertilizer use, and the strengthening of linkages between farmers and resources.
Meanwhile, SAA President, Dr Makoto Kitanaka stressed the essential role of soil health and agricultural productivity for effective decarbonization. In his presentation, he spotlighted SAA’s commitment to promoting climate-smart practices across Africa, singling out the success of the bokashi and biochar projects in improving crop yields and soil health in Nasarawa State. These initiatives are part of SAA’s broader effort to address climate change and enhance agricultural productivity.
“Revitalizing soil and boosting productivity are prerequisites for successful decarbonization,” he said. “This principle is at the heart of SAA’s strategy, advocating regenerative agriculture for smallholder farmers. By focusing on soil health and crop yields, we establish a vital base for sustainable decarbonization, highlighting its significance for smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and the overall sustainability of African agriculture.”
The workshop’s outcomes reflect SAA’s commitment to empowering Nigerian farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the environment and ensure food security for all.
Full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=1&vid=558&lng=usa
NEWS
SAA’s Stakeholders Highlight Benefits of Decarbonized Cropping Systems
On February 20, 2024, at the SAA-Nigeria Annual Stakeholder Meeting held at National Agricultural Research Institutes (NAERLS) in Zaria, Nigeria, stakeholders discussed the benefits of decarbonizing cropping systems. The workshop explored the role of climate-smart agriculture in ensuring food security, through discussions and brainstorming sessions focusing on capacity building, extension services, technology adoption, market access, and climate-smart practices.
Dr. Godwin Atser, SAA Nigeria’s Country Director, spoke about the challenges faced by Nigerian farmers, including low productivity, poverty, and climate change. He emphasized the need for interventions like promotion of new seed varieties, proper fertilizer use, and the strengthening of linkages between farmers and resources.
Meanwhile, SAA President, Dr Makoto Kitanaka stressed the essential role of soil health and agricultural productivity for effective decarbonization. In his presentation, he spotlighted SAA’s commitment to promoting climate-smart practices across Africa, singling out the success of the bokashi and biochar projects in improving crop yields and soil health in Nasarawa State. These initiatives are part of SAA’s broader effort to address climate change and enhance agricultural productivity.
“Revitalizing soil and boosting productivity are prerequisites for successful decarbonization,” he said. “This principle is at the heart of SAA’s strategy, advocating regenerative agriculture for smallholder farmers. By focusing on soil health and crop yields, we establish a vital base for sustainable decarbonization, highlighting its significance for smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and the overall sustainability of African agriculture.”
The workshop’s outcomes reflect SAA’s commitment to empowering Nigerian farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the environment and ensure food security for all.
Full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=1&vid=558&lng=usa
NEWS
Boosting Climate-Smart Rice Production in Nasarawa
To reduce the usage of charcoal during the parboiling stage of rice processing, and save forests from destruction, SAA and the Nasarawa State government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration supported by the Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (NADP), aims to revitalize rice cooperatives; and promote the decarbonization of rice production and processing.
As part of this initiative, they will produce briquettes from rice husk creating an alternative fuel Momigalite. These rice husk briquettes serve as a sustainable alterative to wood fuels. The production process involves compressing rice husks using a Grind Mill manufactured by the Japanese company Tromco. The mill grinds the husks and then compresses them into solid form without using binders or adhesives. Momigalite is moisture resistant, and its ash can be used as a soil conditioner. Funded by the Japanese government, the new project will establish two rice centers – in the Obi and Lafia Local Government Areas – where farmers will be introduced to the new fuels, which contribute to decarbonization initiatives in the country.
“This initiative will lead to fewer trees being cut down and a reduction in firewood usage, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, we plan to train farmers on sustainable farming practices and enhancing soil health with bokashi and biochar,” said SAA Nigeria Country Director, Dr Godwin Atser.
NEWS
Boosting Climate-Smart Rice Production in Nasarawa
To reduce the usage of charcoal during the parboiling stage of rice processing, and save forests from destruction, SAA and the Nasarawa State government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration supported by the Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (NADP), aims to revitalize rice cooperatives; and promote the decarbonization of rice production and processing.
As part of this initiative, they will produce briquettes from rice husk creating an alternative fuel Momigalite. These rice husk briquettes serve as a sustainable alterative to wood fuels. The production process involves compressing rice husks using a Grind Mill manufactured by the Japanese company Tromco. The mill grinds the husks and then compresses them into solid form without using binders or adhesives. Momigalite is moisture resistant, and its ash can be used as a soil conditioner. Funded by the Japanese government, the new project will establish two rice centers – in the Obi and Lafia Local Government Areas – where farmers will be introduced to the new fuels, which contribute to decarbonization initiatives in the country.
“This initiative will lead to fewer trees being cut down and a reduction in firewood usage, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, we plan to train farmers on sustainable farming practices and enhancing soil health with bokashi and biochar,” said SAA Nigeria Country Director, Dr Godwin Atser.
NEWS
New Cassava Seed Initiative Successfully Takes Off in Nigeria’s North Central Region
A project by SAA and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to produce improved cassava seed for farmers in Nigeria’s North Central region is yielding promising results. The improved varieties yield an average of more than twice the national average of 8 tons per hectare and are resistant to cassava mosaic virus. In the initial phase, starting 2023, 13 cooperatives were involved in the production of cassava seed on 55 hectares of land, with plans for further expansion in 2024.
Already, the planted fields are filled with healthy crops, an indication of sustainable improved cassava seed availability in the near future.
“We are now sure that farmers in the North Central region will have access to quality cassava stems of improved varieties that will help them double their yield and meet relevant raw material needs for food and industry,” said Prof Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, the project’s manager, during a field visit in the Obi Local Government Area of the Nasarawa State.
Overall, the initiative aims to establish 100 cassava seed businesses across the region.
NEWS
New Cassava Seed Initiative Successfully Takes Off in Nigeria’s North Central Region
A project by SAA and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to produce improved cassava seed for farmers in Nigeria’s North Central region is yielding promising results. The improved varieties yield an average of more than twice the national average of 8 tons per hectare and are resistant to cassava mosaic virus. In the initial phase, starting 2023, 13 cooperatives were involved in the production of cassava seed on 55 hectares of land, with plans for further expansion in 2024.
Already, the planted fields are filled with healthy crops, an indication of sustainable improved cassava seed availability in the near future.
“We are now sure that farmers in the North Central region will have access to quality cassava stems of improved varieties that will help them double their yield and meet relevant raw material needs for food and industry,” said Prof Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, the project’s manager, during a field visit in the Obi Local Government Area of the Nasarawa State.
Overall, the initiative aims to establish 100 cassava seed businesses across the region.
NEWS FROM OTHER SAA PROGRAM COUNTRIES
News from other SAA Program Countries
News from other SAA Program Countries
SAA’s Annual Stakeholders Meeting Highlights Plans for Advancing Climate-Smart Farming in Uganda
In January 2024, SAA held its Annual Stakeholders Planning Workshop in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme, Climate-Smart Mitigation for Income, Food, and Nutrition Security. Over 100 people attended, including MAAIF representatives, district officials, and farmers. SAA President, Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, and the acting Country Director, Mr. Joseph Bbemba, showcased the development of innovative agriculture extension networks as part of SAA’s commitment to transforming the lives of smallholder farmers. Mr. Joseph Oke from MAAIF’s Directorate of Agricultural Extension highlighted the importance of collaborative services in the fight against climate change, while Commissioner Steven Tibejuka of Crop Protection at MAAIF urged for strategic enterprise selection and emphasized the need to strengthen extension services. Concerns about agrochemical misuse were also discussed, with Dr. Stella Kabiri advocating for sustainable farming practices. Musa Bugembe, a local farmer, praised SAA’s influence on agricultural practices, during the workshop, which concluded with commitments to policy support, digital tools for agriculture, and enhancing partnerships, as summarized by Mr. Ande Okiror, SAA’s Program Coordinator for Market Oriented Agriculture.
Full Story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=1&vid=556&lng=usa
