From Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority (KTIDA) has commenced a two-day capacity-building programme for newly established Water Users’ Associations across government-owned irrigation schemes in the state.
The programme, which attracted 68 dry-season farmers, is aimed at strengthening their capacity to effectively manage, protect and sustain irrigation facilities while improving agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods.
Speaking at the opening of the training, the Managing Director of KTIDA, Engineer Saleem Suleiman, said irrigation infrastructure could only achieve its full potential when the communities that depend on it were properly organised and empowered to participate in its management.
Suleiman said the associations were expected to work closely with the Authority and farming communities to ensure effective, transparent and sustainable management of irrigation schemes.
He said while the state government remained committed to providing and rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure, the sustainability of the schemes required collective responsibility.
The Managing Director explained that the government would provide infrastructure, policy direction and technical support, while KTIDA would offer professional guidance, supervision and institutional support.
Suleiman said the Water Users’ Associations must take responsibility for the day-to-day use, protection and maintenance of irrigation facilities.
He urged members of the associations to regard irrigation canals, water-control structures, pumps, earth dams, tube wells and other facilities as community assets rather than government property that could be neglected.
He said the continued functionality of the facilities was directly linked to farmers’ productivity and income.
The Managing Director assured the associations of the Authority’s continued support, saying its doors remained open to dialogue, technical advice and legitimate concerns from farmers.
He added that the Authority would continue to push for improved irrigation infrastructure, rehabilitation of existing facilities, efficient water management and the adoption of modern irrigation technologies.
He also commended the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, for his commitment to agricultural development, food security, irrigation expansion and improving the livelihoods of residents.
Speaking on behalf of the Water Users’ Associations, the Chairman of Nasarawa-Bugaje Water Users’ Association, Sabiu Danladi, alongside Nura Habu from Mai’adua and Shafi’u Abubakar Machika from Funtua Zone, expressed appreciation to the state government and the Authority for organising the training.
They said the programme had improved their understanding of the responsibilities of the associations and the importance of proper irrigation management in boosting dry-season farming.
The representatives pledged to share the knowledge acquired with other members of their associations and ensure the responsible use, protection and maintenance of irrigation facilities.
They also said the associations would work to safeguard water resources and irrigation facilities so that they could continue to benefit farmers and future generations.
Our correspondent reports that participants are expected to undertake a field visit to the Centre for Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University Kano (BUK).
