The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) will train 40,000 maize and soybean farmers in Niger state, using advanced farming techniques under a climate-smart agriculture project.
Mr. Isaac Eni, Project Coordinator of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), disclosed this during a Training of Trainers session for extension agents and selected community-based advisors in Minna on Wednesday.
Eni explained that the project is funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and is titled “Enhancing the Productivity and Competitiveness of Smallholder Farmers in the Maize-Soybean Farming System in Niger and Kaduna States.”
He stated that 44 field agents from eight local government areas in Niger State were equipped with climate intelligence and improved agronomic practices to boost maize and soybean productivity.
The broader initiative targets 100,000 smallholder farmers across Niger and Kaduna states, with at least 50 per cent women participation along the maize and soybean value chains.
Eni highlighted the major challenges facing smallholder farmers in the two states, including limited access to quality seeds, outdated farming techniques, weak post-harvest handling, and inadequate market information. Poor infrastructure and fluctuating prices further undermine their ability to compete effectively in the market.
“To address these challenges, the project seeks to improve productivity by at least 30 per cent, unlock high-value markets through strengthened cooperatives and contract farming, and enhance coordination among value chain actors,” he said.
The training of trainers was organized to prepare extension agents and community-based advisors for step-down training in their communities, particularly ahead of the establishment of demonstration plots.
Participants were also equipped with skills to translate complex climate information into farmer-friendly messages and to use digital tools for effective communication and reporting.
They received training on planning and managing demonstration plots, including site selection, plot layout, input calculation, record-keeping, and monitoring indicators.
The three-year project, which began in September 2025 and will run until March 2028, will promote contract farming, strengthen market linkages, and increase investment in agriculture.
Eni expressed optimism that the newly trained agents would drive community-level adoption of climate-smart practices, leading to higher yields, reduced production risks, and greater competitiveness for smallholder farmers in the state.
A highlight of the training was technical sessions facilitated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on interpreting seasonal rainfall predictions and aligning planting decisions with weather advisories.
The programme also included presentations on climate-smart agriculture in Northern Nigeria, climate risks in Niger and Kaduna states, improved and climate-resilient maize and soybean seed varieties, and soil fertility management practices.
The SAA-AGRA partnership reflects continued efforts to build resilient and productive farming systems in Nigeria’s key agricultural zones, addressing climate vulnerabilities while empowering smallholders—especially women—through knowledge transfer, improved inputs, and stronger market access.
