From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched a N100 million Climate-Smart Agribusiness Empowerment Scheme, aimed at transforming the agricultural practices of smallholder farmers across the state.
The initiative, executed in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), is designed to shift local farmers from subsistence to commercial production using climate-resilient strategies.
At the official launch of the scheme, Governor Radda said the programme marks a significant step in the state’s agricultural reform efforts.
“This is not just a routine empowerment programme—it is a deliberate investment in our people, in our economy, and in our future,” the governor said. “We want our farmers to move from subsistence to commercial production using smarter, climate-resilient approaches.”
The funding comprises N63.75 million from AUDA-NEPAD and N36.25 million from the Katsina State Government, underscoring a joint commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security.
Governor Radda also charged agricultural extension agents and other stakeholders with ensuring the judicious use of the resources and training provided.
“Our extension agents must follow up closely. Monitoring and evaluation will be key to assessing the real impact of this initiative. Let us work together to make sure these resources are not wasted,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, Hon. Salisu Jabiru Tsauri, described the Katsina launch as a strategic alignment between national development priorities and the African Union’s continental agenda.
“This scheme is not just another intervention—it is a gateway to achieving Agenda 2063 of the African Union,” Tsauri said. “We are bringing access to inputs, improved seeds, modern farming tools, and most importantly, knowledge and market linkages.”
He also praised the Katsina State Government’s recent investments in agriculture, including the rehabilitation of key dams, procurement of over 20,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer for the 2025 farming season, and the distribution of thousands of solar-powered irrigation pumps.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Maryam Sodangi, highlighted the long-term benefits of the programme.
“This empowerment scheme reflects our commitment to building climate-resilient farming systems. It’s about laying the foundation for food security in the face of environmental changes,” she said.
The programme is expected to provide farmers with improved seedlings, modern equipment, technical support, and access to markets—boosting productivity and livelihoods across rural communities.
The launch ceremony, held in Katsina, was attended by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, members of the state executive council, agricultural experts, extension workers, and hundreds of smallholder farmers from across the state.
