Nigerian Aims To Create 10 Million Jobs With Dry Season Farming Initiative

News in Brief: - The Nigerian government plans to create millions of jobs through dry season farming initiatives, aiming for 5-10 million in the agricultural value chain. - It is encouraging others to follow suit, with the goal of year-round food production and collaboration between agriculture and water ministries. The Nigerian federal government has announced plans to create 5-10 million jobs through dry season farming initiatives in 2024, during the 30th National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation meeting in Abuja. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Shehu Aliyu, revealed that the implementation of the programmes has already begun with the launch of dry season farming covering 120,000 hectares in Jigawa state. Furthermore, the initiative, launched in collaboration with the state government under the National Wheat Development Programme, serves as a model for similar programs across the country. The government's strategy includes three flagship programs.

• Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme: Aims to increase access to irrigation infrastructure and resources.
• Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme: Focuses on collaboration with private sector partners to expand irrigation projects.
• River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation: Leverages resources within river basin areas to create jobs and alleviate poverty.

The administration encourages all River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) to launch similar dry season farming initiatives within their areas. Additionally, Aliyu said that the federal government expects the interventions to create five to ten million jobs for our youth within the agricultural value chain. Overall, he emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to ensure efficient irrigation and year-round food production.