40,000 Maize, Soybean Farmers in Niger State to Receive Climate-Smart Training

News in brief:

-A climate-smart agriculture project will train 40,000 maize and soybean farmers in Niger State to improve productivity and resilience.

-The AGRA-funded initiative targets 100,000 farmers across Niger and Kaduna states with at least 50 per cent women participation.

No fewer than 40,000 maize and soybean farmers in Niger State are expected to benefit from advanced farming techniques under a climate-smart agriculture project aimed at improving productivity and resilience.

The Project Coordinator of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Isaac Eni, disclosed this during a Training of Trainers programme for extension agents and selected community-based advisers in Minna.

He explained that the initiative is funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains.

Training to Support Maize and Soybean Value Chains

According to Eni, the training forms part of a project titled Enhancing the Productivity and Competitiveness of Smallholder Farmers in the Maize-Soybean Farming System in Niger and Kaduna States.

He said 44 field agents drawn from eight local government areas in Niger State were equipped with climate intelligence tools and improved agronomic practices to enhance maize and soybean production.

The broader project targets about 100,000 farmers across Niger and Kaduna states, with women expected to account for at least 50 per cent of participants along the maize and soybean value chains.

Addressing Key Challenges Facing Smallholder Farmers

Eni noted that smallholder farmers in both states face multiple challenges, including limited access to improved seeds, inadequate farming techniques, poor post-harvest handling and weak access to market information. He added that poor infrastructure and unstable commodity prices have also limited farmers’ ability to compete effectively.

The project aims to increase productivity by at least 30 per cent, while strengthening cooperatives, promoting contract farming and improving coordination among stakeholders in the value chain.

Extension Agents to Lead Community-Level Training

The training of trainers programme was organised to prepare extension agents and community advisers to deliver step-down training to farmers within their communities.

Participants were equipped with skills to translate complex climate information into practical guidance for farmers and to utilise digital tools for communication and reporting.

They also received training on the planning and management of demonstration plots, including site selection, plot layout, input calculations, record keeping and monitoring indicators.

Three-Year Programme to Strengthen Agricultural Investment

The three-year project, which began in September 2025 and will run until March 2028, also aims to strengthen market linkages and attract greater investment into agriculture.

Eni expressed optimism that the trained agents would drive the adoption of climate-smart practices capable of improving yields, reducing production risks and enhancing the competitiveness of smallholder farmers.

The programme also featured technical sessions facilitated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which trained participants on interpreting seasonal rainfall forecasts and aligning planting decisions with weather advisories.

Other sessions focused on climate-smart agriculture practices in northern Nigeria, climate risks in Niger and Kaduna states, improved maize and soybean seed varieties and soil fertility management techniques.