By Rita Iliya
No fewer than 40,000 maize and soybean farmers in Niger, are expected to receive advanced farming techniques under a climate-smart agriculture project.
Mr Isaac Eni, Project Coordinator of the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) disclosed this during a Training of Trainers for Extension Agents and selected Community-Based Advisors in Minna.
Eni said that the project would be funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
He explained that the training was part of the project titled ”Enhancing the Productivity and Competitiveness of Smallholder Farmers in the Maize-Soybean Farming System in Niger and Kaduna states”.
He said that 44 field agents drawn from eight Local Government Areas within the state were equipped with climate intelligence and improved agronomic practices to drive maize and soybean productivity.
According to him, the broader project targets 100,000 farmers across Niger and Kaduna states, with 50 per cent women participation along the maize and soybean value chains.
He noted that smallholder farmers in the two states face significant challenges, including limited access to quality seeds, poor farming techniques, weak post-harvest handling and inadequate market information.
He added that poor infrastructure and fluctuating prices had further reduced farmers’ ability to compete effectively in the market.
”To address these challenges, the project seeks to improve productivity by at least 30 per cent, unlock high-value markets through strengthened cooperatives and contract farming, and enhance coordination among value chain actors,” he said.
The project coordinator also said that the train the trainers was organised to prepare Extension Agents and
Community-Based Advisors for step-down training in their communities, especially ahead of the establishment of demonstration plots.
He said the field agents were also equipped with skills to translate complex climate information into farmer-friendly messages and utilise digital tools for effective communication and reporting.
The coordinator said that participants were trained on planning and managing demonstration plots, including site selection, plot layout, input calculation, record-keeping and monitoring indicators.
He added that the three-year project, which commenced in September 2025 and would run until March 2028, would promote contract farming, strengthen market linkages and increase investment in agriculture.
Eni expressed optimism that the newly trained agents would spearhead community-level adoption of climate-smart practices capable of improving yields, reducing production risks and enhancing the competitiveness of smallholder farmers in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the training was technical sessions facilitated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on interpreting seasonal rainfall predictions and aligning planting decisions with weather advisories.
The training also featured presentations on climate-smart agriculture in Northern Nigeria, climate risks in Niger and Kaduna, improved and climate-resilient maize and soybean seed varieties, and soil fertility management practices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
