Smart Farming: SAA-KNARDA-KSADP model for food security in Nigeria, by
Prof MK Othman
Deep Thought with Othman
Partly as an analogy to last week’s article on smart farming as a pathway to food security in Nigeria and partly as a digression, it is expedient to discuss the Sasakawa-KNARDA-KSADP model. This model demonstrates that achieving food security in Nigeria does not require rocket science but rather our leaders’ political will and determination. The model has proven to be an effective solution to food security in Nigeria, with significant potential for adaptability and scalability.
The pillars of this model are regenerative agriculture, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, market-oriented agriculture, capacity building, e-extension, inclusiveness (for youth and persons with disabilities), and gender mainstreaming. Regenerative and nutrition-sensitive agriculture are part of smart farming, a global approach to achieving food security. The model is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) and the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), with multi-million US dollar financial support from the Islamic Development Bank and Lives and Livelihoods Funds (LLF) to implement a five-year project: the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP). My article from December 9, 2023, titled “Sasakawa-KNARDA-KSADP Model for Achieving Food Security: A Scalable Experiment,” provides a detailed explanation.
READ ALSO: Smart Farming: A pathway for food security in Nigeria, by Prof. MK Othman
SAA, recognised for its meticulous performance and consistent achievement in project execution, was tasked with developing skills and increasing the capacity and productivity of 450,000 direct and millions of indirect beneficiaries across the state’s 44 local government areas (LGAs). SAA proceeded with urgency, guided by its principles of timeliness, thoroughness, aptness, and dedication. First, SAA identified, mobilised, and educated relevant stakeholders—input suppliers, service providers, marketers, producers, research institutes, and community leaders. The project was launched, and an innovation platform was created as part of the community sensitization strategy to foster a sense of ownership. After selecting sites for implementation, pre-, mid-, and post-season training was conducted vigorously, followed by hands-on field demonstrations of various technologies from production to utilization. Group farms and demonstration plots were supplied with relevant inputs, improved technologies, and practices for optimal yields. SAA’s renowned slogan, “walk with the farmer,” encourages extension agents to accompany farmers in all farm operations “bumper-to-bumper” with the guidance of a cropping calendar, which is diligently followed. Thus, farmers and extension agents experience minimal downtime until the season ends. Under SAA’s intervention, farming is treated strictly as a business model while all possible risks are managed through mitigation.
KNARDA has been SAA’s greatest ally since it entered Nigeria in 1992 when KNARDA courted it and made Kano state the pioneer beneficiary of SAA interventions in Nigeria. The symbiotic relationship between SAA and KNARDA blossomed and reached its climax when SAA provided robust technical support in 2020 for the 5-year multi-million US Dollar KSADP.
As the project is coming to an end, SAA packaged the successes of the KSADP project On 7th October 7, 2024, at the Coronation Hall of the Kano state government house before key stakeholders for adoption. On that day, the stakeholders at the Coronation Hall celebrated service excellence, showcased outstanding accomplishments, and honored individuals, groups, and institutions whose hard work, skill, and expertise contributed to the achievements of the KSADP during the grand moment for all.
Significant events are described by the personalities invited, those who billed to attend, and those with clearly defined roles and responsibilities; my people for an event to attract, no other person than President Olusegun Obasanjo, the famous OBJ, one can only imagine the size and nature of that event. For twenty governors to be invited, ten countries on the frontline of SAA-IsDB activities in Africa, the gaiety and glamour can only be inadequately described in this piece. SAA and Kano State government hospitality and grand reception have been in our memory. We remember the giant feat recorded through the diligent implementation of the project. My book “SAA: Thirty Years of Fight against Hunger and Poverty in Nigeria” was also unveiled by the Kano State governor as part of the grand celebration.
Still, SAA hosted yet another related event on November 11 2024, where major achievements in regenerative agriculture as a KSADP project component were presented. Nigeria needs regenerative agriculture more than ever in the face of climate change and greenhouse emissions. Water conservation, nitrogen-fixing, and other climate-smart technologies have been promoted to thousands of farmers in Kano state. The need to replicate this project nationwide cannot be overemphasised.
The KSADP implementation in the 44 LGAs of Kano State, SAA, has achieved over 100% of the project targets in all components. Among the achievable milestones, the project has reached out to 450,000 farmers with training, 10,077 inputs support, and 220 motorcycles support. The project aimed to empower 800 women with nutrition and income generation access. Furthermore, the project aimed to continuously build capacity and empower 540 CBFs, 270 AEs, and 450 agro-dealers, all of which were achieved (100%) and established 5,348 demonstration plots of half a hectare in all project sites and procured 220 motorcycles distributed to the Extension Agents (EAs) across the 44 LGAs.
The average yields of rice, maize, Millet and sorghum increased from 1.5, 1.3, 0.9 and 1.0 tons per hectare to 5.1, 4.2, 2.4 and 2.6 tons per hectare, respectively. SAA’s performance in the project accomplishment is not surprising, as SAA has proven to be different from other international NGOs.
SAA is a global initiative to fight hunger and poverty in Africa. It was created out of intense discussion, negotiations, and strenuous effort of Mr. Ryoichi Sasakawa (deceased), a first-class global multi-billionaire philanthropist; Dr. Norman Borlaug (deceased), a Nobel Peace Prize winner; and President Jimmy Carter, former President of the USA. SAA came to Africa in 1986 and Nigeria in 1992. SAA has impacted over 20 million farmers across 18 states in Nigeria. The Sasakawa-KNARDA-KSADP Model has proved to be the laudable answer to food security in Nigeria, and the model is adaptable and scalable in any corner of this country. IsDB, its LLF, and SAA are veritable and potential supporters to make Nigeria achieve food security by replicating the KSADP model in any federation state. Here is a low-hanging fruit for states and the federal government to achieve the government food security agenda. The tireless SAA country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, who took the baton from indefatigable Prof. Sani Miko two years ago, has already added two states and crossed over to Benin Republic with his team in their zealous efforts to emasculate and eradicate hunger from Nigeria. Government officials and other stakeholders should take advantage of SAA’s disposition for fruitful partnership to change the food security narrative for a glorious Nigeria.
Professor Mk Othman was a two term Executive Director of the National Agricultural Extension Liaison and Research Services, NAERLS, and is currently a Senior lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria.
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