The Audu Bako administration in Kano State laid a strong foundation for agricultural development, setting the stage for subsequent progress. Continuing in this vein, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has built upon these foundations, not only continuing the work of his predecessors in education and health but also making food security a central focus through initiatives aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food production.
Upon his inauguration on May 29, 2023, the Yusuf administration immediately conducted a survey to assess the level of food and nutrition insecurity in Kano State during the lean season. The survey, conducted from October 27 to November 4, 2023, and extending into the March 2024 cycle, revealed that 1,122,771 people—representing 6.82% of the state’s population—were in critical need of food and nutrition assistance as of October 2023, with conditions worsening by March 2024.
In response to these alarming findings, the government swiftly provided humanitarian assistance to protect lives and livelihoods. Palliative measures included the distribution of food staples to vulnerable populations across the state. The relief efforts saw the distribution of 18,050 bags of maize (10kg each), 35,350 bags of rice (10kg each), and 12,510 larger bags of rice (25kg each) across wards, local governments, ministries, agencies, and departments. These efforts were aimed at alleviating the impact of the food crisis.
In addition to immediate relief, the government took proactive steps to improve access to agricultural land for smallholder farmers throughout Kano. As part of these efforts, 1,009.47 acres of farmland were reclaimed—473 acres in Bunkure Local Government, 440.87 acres in Kudenwa, and 95.6 acres from various other locations in the state. Further, input support was provided to 5,400 smallholder commercial farmers under the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) in collaboration with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), with the aim of increasing crop productivity.
Governor Yusuf’s administration has also expanded irrigation land development to tap into Kano’s agricultural potential and strengthen food security. Among the key projects are the development of 445 hectares of irrigation land upstream and downstream of the Watari Irrigation Project in Bagwai Local Government and an additional 555 hectares at Kafinchiri Dam in Rano Local Government. This work includes the construction of 7.8 kilometers of concrete irrigation canals, 12 kilometers of field drains, and the reconstruction of a 2-million-cubic-meter Gaftan earth dam in Bunkure. Furthermore, a new 500-hectare irrigation scheme was established at Dansoshiya, and 500 units of irrigation pumps were distributed to farmers for dry-season farming.
In the livestock sector, the Yusuf administration has embarked on a livestock productivity improvement scheme through the establishment of Milk Collection Centers (MCCs) for pastoralists. These centers are equipped to collect up to 112,000 liters of milk weekly, with an estimated value of N89.6 million. Additionally, the government has approved N500 million as part of its counterpart funding for the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) project.
Another significant achievement of the Yusuf administration is the upgrading of infrastructure at the Dawanau International Grain Market. Under KSADP, improvements include the construction of a 4-kilometer road with drainage, the establishment of a solar power point, the construction of a police outpost, market information systems, a mosque, and sanitary facilities.
Looking ahead, the government plans to reactivate all dams in the state to boost dry-season farming and ensure the effective utilization of Kano’s water resources. This move will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also strengthen the state’s strategic link between agriculture and industry, propelling Kano toward food security and self-sufficiency in all areas of agricultural output.
Mahmud Shuaibu Ringim
HALIM Consulting Ltd
mahmudshuaibu44@gmail.com
