From Farm to Table: How Sasakawa Africa Association is improving food security in Jigawa

By Ali Rabiu Ali/Jigawa/farmers/30th Oct, 2025

In a heartwarming display of agricultural progress, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has expressed satisfaction with the way farmers in Jigawa State are embracing modern farming techniques. 

The organization’s Deputy Country Director, Dr. Abdulhamid Gambo, made the commendation during a two-day media field visit to four communities in Taura, Dutse, and Birnin Kudu Local Government Areas.

Dr. Gambo highlighted the significance of the farmers’ commitment to modern farming techniques, describing it as a major step toward achieving food security and agricultural transformation in the state. 

He emphasized that SAA’s mission is to work with farmers to promote agricultural value chains across production, nutrition, processing, value addition, and marketing of agricultural products.

The Association recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jigawa State Government to improve agronomic practices and agricultural extension services. 

The state government has also demonstrated its commitment to the partnership by paying $100,000 as counterpart funding to scale up SAA’s activities in the state.

SAA’s interventions have had a profound impact on the lives of smallholder farmers in Jigawa. The organization has provided improved seeds, fertilizers, and capacity-building training designed to boost productivity and income generation. Beneficiaries have reported significant increases in their yields and economic independence.

One beneficiary, Buhari Rabiu from Chadan community in Birnin Kudu, shared his experience with SAA’s intervention. “Sasakawa taught us modern rice planting methods that are more productive and less labor-intensive. Before, I used to harvest six bags of rice, but now I harvest eleven. I don’t think I will ever go back to the old method,” he said.

Female farmers in Chuwasu and Baranda communities have appealed for support in providing rice milling machines to ease their operations and add value to their produce. 

The coordinator of the Chuwasu Women Rice Farmers Association, Mrs. Uwani Adamu, explained that they have been trained on rice processing but lack the machines to process their own rice.

The State Technical Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, commended SAA for its commitment to training farmers and extension workers on modern farming techniques. 

He reiterated the state government’s resolve to continue supporting SAA in achieving its agricultural development objectives in Jigawa State.

The Sasakawa Africa Association’s partnership with the Jigawa State Government has the potential to transform the lives of smallholder farmers in the state. 

With its focus on regenerative agriculture, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and market-oriented agriculture, SAA is well-positioned to support the state’s agricultural development goals. 

As the organization continues to work with farmers, it is likely that we will see even more success stories emerge from Jigawa State.