IITA–CGIAR, in partnership with the Ecological Project Office (EPO) under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has engaged key stakeholders to advance sustainable irrigation and dry-season farming to boost agricultural productivity under the project “Community-based engagement on sustainable agriculture and biodiversity restoration for the Kano irrigation scheme,” in the Kano South Senatorial District in Kano State.
The stakeholders’ planning workshop was held on 15 December 2025, at the Technology Incubation Centre in Kano. It brought together over 100 participants from 16 local government areas in the South Senatorial District of Kano State, including Ajingi, Albasu, Bebeji, Bunkure, Doguwa, Garko, Gaya, Karaye, Kibiya, Kiru, Rano, Rogo, Sumaila, Takai, Tudun Wada, and Wudil.
Participants included representatives of federal and state institutions, research and academic bodies, irrigation authorities, traditional rulers, development partners, and farmers’ associations.
The workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration, foster inclusivity, and align stakeholders on the project’s objectives to promote climate-smart irrigation practices, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods in southern Kano. Speaking on the expected impact, Ado Rabo Shu’aibu, Head of Administration at IITA, said the intervention would enhance agricultural development through capacity building, improved access to inputs, and the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Similarly, Engineer Surajo Muhammad Yusuf, Director of Environmental Pollution Control at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, noted that the program would generate economic opportunities and contribute to reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.
Technical sessions focused on the role of irrigation in food security, the project implementation framework, and climate-smart water management for smallholder farmers.
The workshop also featured a seed exhibition, with improved and climate-resilient varieties showcased by IITA, the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), SmartAgribus, and other partners.
Participants engaged in interactive group discussions to share expectations and identify implementation priorities. The workshop concluded with a call for sustained collaboration and community engagement to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
Contributed by Sarah Sallau
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