The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program has empowered 1,009 farmers in Kano, including 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers.
Dr. Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, announced this during a statement on Monday, highlighting the ongoing Field Day activity in Kano. He emphasized that the initiative aims to connect smallholder farmers to sustainable markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost incomes.
“For years, tomato farmers have struggled with post-harvest losses due to a lack of reliable buyers. SAPZ’s core objective is to address this challenge by ensuring market access,” Yusuf stated.
He further explained that the program provides farmers with comprehensive training on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and essential inputs to enhance productivity and profitability.
“As part of our commitment to agricultural development, we are ensuring that farmers not only produce but also have access to guaranteed markets for their crops,” he added.
A beneficiary, Ibrahim, shared his experience, noting that the training and support from SAPZ have changed his perspective on farming.
“Before, we didn’t fully understand that farming is a business. Now, with the improved practices introduced by SAPZ, my yields have increased significantly. Previously, I harvested six or seven times per hectare, but with these new techniques, I anticipate up to ten additional harvests,” he said.
He also praised SAPZ for linking tomato farmers to reliable buyers, ensuring fair prices and direct farm purchases.
Similarly, rice farmer Mallama Hafsat expressed her gratitude to SAPZ, IFAD, and the Kano government for their support, which led to a bumper harvest.
“Before SAPZ’s intervention, traditional farming methods yielded poor results. Through their training, we learned modern techniques such as nursery preparation and proper plant spacing, which have greatly improved our yields,” she explained.
Hafsat also shared how the improved harvest had transformed her personal life.
“With my earnings, I was able to finance my daughter’s wedding, even after the passing of my husband,” she added.
The IFAD-SAPZ initiative continues to make a significant impact by equipping farmers with the tools, knowledge, and market access needed to improve their livelihoods and agricultural output.
