Agriculture
Zamfara and the agricultural renaissance

Zamfara and the agricultural renaissance
By; Zagazola Makama
Zamfara state is rich in arable lands, pasture, water bodies and mineral deposits. The prolific abundance of agriculture and mineral deposits provide opportunities for the inhabitants to practice crop and livestock production as well as mining in commercial quantities.
Agriculture and gold mining are the state’s main occupations providing foodstuffs, raw materials and employment opportunities for the people, with over 80 per cent of the population engaged in agriculture, hence the slogan “farming is our pride”.

Major crops such as millet, guinea corn, maize, rice, groundnut, cotton, tobacco and beans, while minerals include iron ore, gold, chromate, granite, clay, limestone, chamovita, quartz and kaolin.
However, the state is one of the poorest in Nigeria and has one of the highest incidences of extreme poverty (over 60% of the population), according to the 2018 World Bank data.

Agriculture and mining attracted thousands of people to the state seeking for alternative means of livelihoods and greener pasture. The trend led to spontaneous population growth within the last years, thus exhausting the scarce state resources, and caused environment and security threats as well as developmental concerns.
The state’s population rose to about 10 million according to a 2021 data by the National Population Commission (NPC). This led to increased demand and competition over scarce lands already affected by the impact of the climate change. This led to loss of livelihoods, poverty, and conflict between farmers and herders.

In the last one decade, Zamfara like its neighbours in the North-West region has been engulfed by banditry, kidnapping and other crimes which threatened the social fabric and economy of the state. Many people lost their lives and thousands displaced while large scale destruction of public and private properties were being perpetrated by the bandits resulting to serious humanitarian crisis.

Upon his inauguration on May 29, 2023, Dauda Lawal inherited Zamfara in a state of bankruptcy characterised by decayed institutions, wide spread poverty and hunger among the citizens, thus eroding the confidence of the people in the ability of the government to navigate the security and economic challenges bedevilling the state.
To break the shackles of poverty and address myriad of problems bedevilling the state, the Dauda Lawal’s administration initiated viable empowerment, social and economic infrastructure development programmes, to build a secure, peaceful and prosperous state.

Despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has accomplished major strides in key sectors to rescue and rebuild Zamfara under his Six Smarts Agenda.
Importantly, agriculture is critical to the administration’s policy programme aim at ensuring economic diversification, poverty reduction, enhance wealth creation and boost state revenue base towards achieving sustainable social and economic development of the state.
To fully achieve the economic diversification, the Lawal’s administration implemented proactive security measures in concert with the security agencies to protect lives and property, so as to enable farmers to cultivate their farmlands and encourage growth of businesses in the state.

To this end, Lawal demonstrated high commitment to curb the lingering banditry and kidnapping through the establishment of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG), the pioneer security guard corps in the North-West region.
Members of the guard corps underwent rigorous physical training to prepare them to assist security agencies with credible intelligence to combat insecurity. It has been very helpful in foiling bandit attacks in villages and towns across local government areas of the state. This has given farmers and other people hope for safety and security.

Other interventions by the governor included provision of logistics and equipment to the security agencies such as fueling of patrol armored vehicles, repair of patrol vehicles to improve the security presence throughout the state, as well as conduct of periodic meenting of the State Security Committee meeting.
Also, the Lawal administration through collaborative operations with the security agencies successfully neutralised key bandit kingpins including Kachalla Ali Kawaje, the mastermind of the abduction of students of the Federal University Gusau.
Others are: Kachalla Jafaru; Kachalla Barume, Kachalla Shehu, Tsoho, Kachalla Yellow Mai Buhu, Yellow Sirajo, and Kachalla Dan Muhammadu, Kachalla Makasko, Sanda, Abdulbasiru Ibrahim, Mai Wagumbe, Kachalla Begu, Kwalfa, Ma’aikaci, Yellow Hassan, Umaru Na Bugala, Isyaka Gwarnon Daji, Iliya Babban Kashi, Auta Dan Mai Jan Ido, and Yahaya Dan Shama.
Following this development, farmers in communities hitherto not practicing crop production due to insecurity are being encouraged to cultivate their farms and engage in other businesses.
Apart from security intervention, the Dauda Lawal’s administration initiated sound extension and farmers support services to encourage productivity, add value to the produce and enhance farmer enterprising skills.
The administration plans to empower 100,000 farmers under the Fadama III programme across the 14 Local Government Areas in the next four years, while fertilisers, seeds and inputs had been distributed to over 40,000 farmers in Bungudu, Maru, Gusau, Shinkafi, Anka, Gumi, Tsafe among others.
More than 700 power tillers and farming implements were also distributed to farmer groups across the 14 LGAs.
This is to increase food security and ensure the safe functioning of food supply chains for vulnerable households in the state.
Speaking at a fertiliser distribution exercise in Bungudu early this year, Lawal said, “we are bringing tremendous opportunities for the farming communities.
“I am confident that this programme will go a long way to boosting our farmers’ productivity, thereby alleviating rural poverty and its associated challenges.
“Building on this momentum, we plan to introduce similar intervention projects, such as the integrated entrepreneurship programme. This programme will encompass various agro-allied projects, including fisheries, poultry, and livestock fattening.
“Additionally, it will provide training and starter packs to small-scale businesses in various sectors, contributing significantly to our economic diversification efforts”.
“In line with our commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, my administration will be embarking upon the rehabilitation of earth dams, and provision for this has been made in the 2024 budget. This initiative will provide employment opportunities for over 40,000 farmers and play a crucial role in feeding more than two million people annually.”
Undoubtedly; these interventions have made positive impacts on the lives of the people in the state as buttress by Salisu Ahmadu, a maize grower in Bungudu, who commended the initiative.
Ahmadu said that improved security in the state and the farmer support services encouraged them to cultivate their farmlands.
He said that prior the Lawal administration many farmers were not cultivating crops due to insecurity and exorbitant prices of fertilisers and other inputs in the market.
Corroborating earlier opinion, Dikko Musa, another farmer, said that the improved security had encouraged them to return to their farmlands.
However, Sada Yakub, said that bandits have prevented many farmers to cultivate their farms since the commencement of the cropping season.
“Before now, we have less problems due to the deployment of security personnel protecting our communities.
“Unfortunately, there are now security personnel now in my village, the bandits are preventing us from accessing our farmlands.
“I appeal to the government to deploy more troops to enable us cultivate our lands,” he said.
Pundits believed that the agriculture intervention being implemented by the Lawal administration would help address poverty, enhance food security and herald economic diversification of the state.
Mr Muhammad Awwal, an economist, said that such interventions are critical to modernise agriculture, enhance farmer access to inputs and finances as well as improve social and economic wellbeing of the people.
Awwal advised the state government to prioritise training of farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and mechanisation to encourage productivity and add value to the produce.
While calling for more security measures to restore peace to the state, Awwal advocated modern trading centres and access roads to boost trade in agricultural commodities in the state.
Zagazola Makama, is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.
Zamfara and the agricultural renaissance
Agriculture
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, as IFAD Vice Chairman

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, as IFAD Vice Chairman
By: Dr. James Bwala
Nigeria’s agricultural environment is undergoing a transformation under the leadership of Senator Abubakar Kyari, whose recent nomination as Vice Chairman of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) marks a watershed moment in agricultural diplomacy. This strategic positioning highlights Nigeria’s commitment to agricultural growth and food security on the global stage.
Kyari’s appointment is particularly noteworthy given Nigeria’s complex agricultural challenges, including food insecurity, limited smallholder farmer resources, and climate vulnerabilities. His extensive experience in agricultural policy and governance positions him uniquely to advocate for innovative agricultural transformation strategies. By leveraging IFAD’s global platform, Kyari can potentially mobilize critical resources and technical expertise to address Nigeria’s agricultural infrastructure and productivity constraints.
The potential impact of this leadership role extends beyond national boundaries, offering a promising avenue for enhancing agricultural resilience and economic empowerment across developing regions. Kyari’s strategic vision and Nigeria’s agricultural potential can catalyze meaningful interventions that support sustainable agricultural development, ultimately contributing to broader regional food security objectives and economic stability.
Additionally, Kyari’s collaborative approach, as demonstrated in his recent meetings with IFAD officials, highlights his dedication to forging international partnerships that align with Nigeria’s agricultural priorities. His proactive engagement in these discussions not only strengthens Nigeria’s bilateral relations with international agricultural bodies but also sets the stage for implementing innovative projects that could transform the agricultural sector, fostering sustainable growth and improving livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers.
His leadership is poised to drive significant advancements in agricultural technology adoption, empowering local farmers to increase yields and enhance food security. In this context, Kyari’s efforts to secure the expeditious release of a $5 million grant from IFAD, aimed at bolstering food security programs such as the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), underscore his commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security.
The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced food security is strategic. The strategic alignment of these initiatives with Nigeria’s agricultural agenda demonstrates Kyari’s adeptness at navigating complex international frameworks to secure resources that can drive transformative change in the sector. His diplomatic acumen is further highlighted by his ability to forge strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with Swaraj Tractors, which aims to modernize farming equipment and practices across Nigeria.
Kyari’s role as IFAD Vice Chairman positions him to further leverage international platforms to advocate for increased investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. His leadership in this capacity not only reinforces Nigeria’s influence on global agricultural policy but also ensures that the country’s unique challenges and opportunities are adequately represented on the international stage. By fostering strategic alliances and promoting innovation, Kyari is poised to drive transformative change that aligns with both national priorities and global sustainability goals.
As Vice Chairman, Kyari’s leadership is expected to harness these collaborations, ensuring that the initiatives not only benefit Nigeria but also serve as a model for other developing nations facing similar agricultural challenges. His leadership as Vice Chairman could potentially enhance collaborative efforts and attract increased international support for Nigeria’s agricultural initiatives. His proactive approach in securing the $5 million grant from IFAD further underscores his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural framework by empowering smallholder farmers and transforming agrifood systems.
This proactive engagement not only secures critical financial resources but also demonstrates his dedication to fostering resilient agricultural systems that can withstand both local and global challenges. His strategic vision is evident in his advocacy for initiatives like the Inclusive Agrifood System Transformation, which aims to empower smallholder farmers and bolster food security across the nation. His efforts to address these challenges are complemented by his collaboration with international partners, which is vital for creating a more resilient and productive agricultural environment in Nigeria.
His efforts are strengthened by his involvement in technical developments and sustainable practices, which are critical for modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and assuring long-term success. Kyari hopes to develop a more integrated and efficient agricultural industry that would serve as a dependable backbone for Nigeria’s economy by capitalizing on these advancements.
His role as Vice Chairman of IFAD allows him to foster these collaborations further. His dedication to these initiatives is further highlighted by his recent appeal for the expeditious release of the $5 million grant from IFAD, which underscores his commitment to enhancing food security programs in Nigeria.
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As Nigeria continues to face pressing agricultural challenges, Kyari’s leadership in both national and international arenas becomes increasingly pivotal in driving sustainable development and ensuring food security for future generations. With his strategic position at IFAD, Kyari is well-placed to amplify these efforts on a global stage. With this platform, he can effectively advocate for increased investments and support for initiatives that directly impact smallholder farmers, thereby reinforcing his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Kyari’s focus on empowering smallholder farmers not only addresses urgent food security concerns but also lays the framework for a more fair and sustainable agricultural future. His strategic ideas and international alliances are not only critical for Nigeria, but they also establish an example for other countries attempting to address similar agricultural difficulties.
Senator Kyari is well-positioned to spearhead dramatic changes that will inspire similar efforts across the African continent, drawing on his considerable experience and strategic vision. Through this leadership position, he can support projects that prioritize climate-resilient agricultural practices, ensuring that Nigeria and other countries are better prepared to deal with the negative effects of climate change on food systems.
Kyari is strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector by promoting programs like climate-smart agriculture and sustainable resource management. Kyari’s initiatives not only increase Nigeria’s agricultural output, but they also help to improve global food security by building collaborative collaborations and sharing creative solutions.
Furthermore, his focus on enhancing agricultural infrastructure and facilitating access to modern farming technologies is pivotal in driving sustainable growth and development within the sector. By fostering these advancements, Kyari is effectively bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern agricultural innovations, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and productivity of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
* Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, as IFAD Vice Chairman
Agriculture
China Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria

China Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Nigeria in the area of mechanized agriculture to achieve food security in the country.
This commitment was made at the 2025 Zoomlion Agriculture Machinery Exhibition and New Distributor Channel Fair, held at the China-Nigeria Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in Ushafa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
The event featured the exhibition and demonstration of the RK 754-A and RK 504-A tractors, both manufactured by Chinese company.

Zoomlion Marketing Director, Jerry Wu said the tractors are efficient, durable, cost-effective, and provide easy access to spare parts.
He pledged China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s quest for food sufficiency through agricultural mechanization.
He said: “China is committed to supporting Nigeria’s quest for food sufficiency through agricultural mechanization. Our advanced machinery is designed to empower farmers, enabling them to achieve greater yields and contribute to the nation’s food security.”
In his remarks, the Principal Agricultural Engineer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hillary Aroboinosen stated that the federal government remains fully committed to supporting mechanization initiatives through public-private partnerships and facilitating the acquisition of affordable machinery for farmers.
He said: “The role of mechanization in transforming agriculture cannot be overstated. Modern agricultural machinery has the potential to bridge the gap between subsistence farming and commercially viable farming, enabling our farmers to adapt to the challenges of climate change, rising population demands, and global market competition.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains fully committed to supporting mechanization initiatives. Through strategic programs like this, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building projects, we aim to facilitate the acquisition of affordable machinery for farmers, especially for small-scale operators and promote training and skills development to ensure the effective use of modern equipment.
“Exhibitions like this one are pivotal in demonstrating the latest innovations, fostering collaborations, and empowering farmers with the tools they need to thrive. ”
Other stakeholders including social critic and politician Buba Galadima emphasized the importance of agricultural mechanization in ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities, and generating revenue in Nigeria.
The exhibition also included the signing of contracts between Zoomlion and new distributors, as well as the presentation of gifts to attendees.
China Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria
Agriculture
Experts, CSOs Propose Bill to Outlaw Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria

Experts, CSOs Propose Bill to Outlaw Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Coalition of Civil Societies Organisations and several agricultural experts including farmers have proposed a bill for an Act for the prohibition of Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) in Nigeria, insisting that it is to guide against degeneration of health and wellbeing of Nigerians
The experts who took turns to speak at a press conference on investigative research and public hearing on GMOs.held on Wednesday in Abuja, said the proliferation of GMOs in the country is worrisome and should be outlawed in the country.
The Programme Manager of Health of the Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) Joyce Brown lamented that the Nigeria Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is yet to conduct any clinical trials on the GMOs being brought into the country, claiming that what is seen on their website is the applications for bringing in GMOs into the country with no assessments report to actually certify that the GMOs are safe.
She said the country does not need GMOs to solve it’s food insecurity, insisting that food insecurity is caused by poverty, insecurity, inequality among others, noting that instead of resorting to GMOs, the country should rather addressed the problems.
She however advised that looking at the country’s agricultural landscape, a sustainable approach such as agroecology should be adopted to boost food production and not GMOs
On his part, a renowned teacher and agricultural consultant, Prof Johnson Ekpere said that the previous government ratified GMO without understanding the basic precepts that guide GMO which is the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety
He stressed that the government must ensure that the basic tenets that guide this protocol is understood by those implementing the law for successful adoption and integration.
He also called on the government to set up a biosafety research facility that will help them understand what they are doing and take drastic risk assessment of our biotechnology
The Deputy Director of Center for Food Safety and Agricultural Research, Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua stated that NBMA should be a biosafety regulatory agency not a management agency, insisting that the misapplication of their names has translated them into a promoter of foreign technology that are at the detriment of Nigerians
He however warned that that the unregulated biosafety research can exercebate biosafety challenges which is what is currently manifesting in Nigeria as the chemical pesticides used are known disruptors of echo systems.
Another expert, Dr Segun Adebayo called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Completion and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to rise up their duty by controlling what is being brought into the country saying Nigerians are eating poison.
A farmer Mrs Ejim Nnena insisted that farmers say No to GMO as the adoption of the technology means poverty, serious nutrition crisis among others.
She maintained that if they are given GMO seeds and cannot replant it, it is poverty in disguise adding that if they have to spray chemicals to enable the seed germinate properly that means farmers are being pushed out of the field into slavery..
She said what farmers are asking for is adequate security on the farms, extension workers to guide the, mapped out areas for farm activities, provide seed banks.
Experts, CSOs Propose Bill to Outlaw Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria
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