IFAD-SAPZ empowers 1,009 farmers in Kano

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme has empowered no fewer than 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers in Kano.

Dr Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, said this in a statement on Monday following the ongoing Field Day activity in Kano.

He stated that the activity aimed to connect smallholder farmers to viable markets and was a crucial step towards reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ incomes.

He noted that the lack of reliable buyers has long caused losses for tomato farmers, stressing that SAPZ’s core goal is to ensure market access.

“However, through a series of training sessions on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and the provision of a full package of inputs, SAPZ is equipping farmers with the necessary tools to improve productivity and profitability.

“As part of our commitment to agricultural development, this partnership will ensure that farmers not only produce but also have access to guaranteed markets for their produce.

“Transformative impact on farmers under the IFAD-SAPZ pilot scheme is 1,009 farmers, specifically 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers, have benefited from the programme”.

Yusuf said the initiative is being piloted in Kura and Bagwai LGAs, aiming to reach 14,000 farmers across 16 LGAs in Kano.

He said the first phase of SAPZ is underway in eight states, including Kano and FCT, with more to be added in the second phase.

Mr Isah Ibrahim, a tomato farmer from Watari Cluster in Bagwai LGA and one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the programme, calling it a “turning point” for tomato farmers.

“Before now, we never fully understood that farming is a business. But with the training and support from SAPZ, we now approach farming differently.

“In the past, I harvested between six and seven times per hectare, but with the improved practices introduced by SAPZ, I am now on my second harvest and anticipate up to ten additional harvests.

“Efficient use of agricultural inputs has significantly boosted my yields,” he said.

Ibrahim said SAPZ has tackled market access issues by linking tomato farmers with off-takers who buy at favourable prices.

He appreciated the programme, adding that buyers now come directly to their farms to purchase tomatoes at considerable prices.

Rice farmer Mallama Hafsat thanked SAPZ, IFAD, and the Kano government for support that led to a bumper harvest.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Hafsat acknowledged that, prior to SAPZ’s intervention, traditional farming methods yielded poor results.

She stated that with training on good agronomic practices and access to critical farm inputs, her farming experience had been significantly transformed.

“Before SAPZ came in, our old ways of farming did not favour us, but now, we have been trained in modern techniques, such as nursery preparation before transplanting and proper spacing of rice plants. These have greatly improved our yield.

“My personal achievement through the improved harvest is that I was able to finance my daughter’s wedding, even after the death of my husband”.