Kano Farmers Reap Rewards as SAPZ Drives Agricultural Growth and Economic Hope

The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program in Kano is a transformative initiative designed to revolutionize agriculture and agro-industrial development in the region. Funded with $131.78 million by the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the project aims to drive sustainable agricultural growth while improving farmers’ livelihoods.

At the heart of this initiative is the Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) in Bagauda, supported by Agricultural Transformation Centers (ATCs) in Kura, Bagwai, Dawanau, and Kakara. The project focuses on key value chains like rice, groundnuts, sesame, and tomatoes, with tomatoes being prioritized for their potential to unlock significant economic opportunities.

Key Achievements

• Farmers Sensitization: SAPZ has sensitized farmers across project intervention sites in Kano, building awareness and engagement for sustainable agriculture practices.
• Farmers Profiling: 7,398 farmers have been profiled to tailor interventions and support services effectively.
• Input Support: 1,009 farmers specializing in rice and tomato cultivation received critical input support, including seeds, fertilizers, and agro-chemicals.
• Market Linkages: Farmers were linked with reliable off-takers through formal contracts, ensuring better market access and stable income.

Scope of the Pilot Project

The SAPZ pilot program is a strategic prototype for broader implementation across Kano’s 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs). In 2024, the pilot will focus on two LGAs—Bagwai and Kura—targeting 500 to 1,000 beneficiaries, including smallholder farmers, farmer organizations, and agro-enterprises in the rice and tomato value chains. Key Activities

Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening

1. Training and support for farmer organizations, agro-processors, and value chain service providers to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations with extension agents, financial institutions, insurance companies, and research institutes to deliver comprehensive services to farmers and agro-processors.
3. Provision of Inputs: Distribution of quality seeds, fertilizers, and agro-chemicals to selected farmers to boost productivity and improve yield quality.
4. Market Linkages & Off-Take Arrangements: Facilitation of contractual agreements between farmers and processors to ensure reliable market access and reduce post-harvest losses.
5. Demonstration Plots & Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): Establishment of demo plots and dissemination of best farming practices to improve productivity and sustainability.
6. Nutrition Sensitization & Home Gardens: Media campaigns and women’s training programs to promote household nutrition through home gardens, ensuring better family health and nutrition.

Vision for the Future

The SAPZ pilot in Kano serves as a blueprint for the full-scale implementation across all 16 LGAs. With the successful execution of this model, the program will scale up to unlock the full potential of Kano’s agricultural sector. By strengthening value chains and fostering public-private partnerships, the SAPZ initiative is poised to become a game-changer for agriculture in Kano, contributing to food security, job creation, and economic growth.