Jigawa Collaborates with IITA on Agricultural Innovation and Technology
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
The Jigawa State Government has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to leverage agricultural innovation and technology for transforming the agricultural landscape in the state.
This collaboration was announced during a courtesy visit by an IITA delegation, led by Ms. Aline Mugisho, Executive Manager of the IITA’s I-Youth Project, to Governor Mallam Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse.
In her remarks, Ms. Mugisho emphasized IITA’s extensive experience in African agriculture, spanning over 50 years and operations in 134 countries. She highlighted the need to rethink current agricultural practices and technologies to address the challenges faced by farmers in various ecological zones.
Ms. Mugisho underscored the importance of empowering young Nigerians and enhancing their interest in agriculture through technology-driven solutions. “We believe in the potentials of Nigerian youths and the transformative power of education,” she said. “Our initiatives have already created over 52,000 direct jobs and benefited over 200,000 individuals. Now, we are committed to making Jigawa a center of excellence in agricultural development.”
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, recognizing agriculture’s pivotal role as a primary employer in Nigeria. He emphasized that the partnership aligns with Jigawa State’s 12-point development agenda and highlights the need to view agriculture as a viable business opportunity for youth.
The Governor noted Jigawa’s ongoing efforts in skills development, training over 4,000 youths in various skills within the past year. The state is also enhancing agricultural training through dedicated institutions and reviewing policies to promote agriculture as a profitable venture. “We have seven functional skills acquisition centers in Jigawa State. In the last year, we have trained more than 4,000 youths in different skills, and they are now supporting themselves and their families. We also have three agricultural training institutions where we train our youths in various agricultural skills,” he said.
Governor Namadi added, “Currently, we are reviewing our agricultural policy with the support of FCDO to ensure agriculture is seen as a business. We are working to convince our youths that agriculture is no longer a subsistence issue; it is now a business where you can earn a living. This led us to develop various programs involving our youths.”
“We are implementing cluster farming systems to engage our youth effectively and develop the entire agricultural value chain,” he continued.
The cooperation between Jigawa State and IITA marks a significant step towards harnessing innovation and technology to drive sustainable agricultural growth, create employment opportunities, and empower young people in the agricultural sector.
Jigawa Collaborates with IITA on Agricultural Innovation and Technology