Abuja, Nigeria, April 1, 2026
Smallholder farmers in Jigawa State have expressed optimism over improved wheat production following the introduction of climate-smart agricultural technologies by the Sasakawa Africa Association, after a demonstration field outperformed conventional farming practices.
The development was unveiled during a Mega Wheat Farmers’ Field Day held on April 1, 2026, in Gilima Community, Taura Local Government Area, where over 300 farmers, extension agents, government officials, and key agricultural stakeholders gathered to evaluate results from the SAA/Jigawa State Partnership Project.
The event, which attracted 321 participants, provided a practical platform to address persistent challenges in wheat production, including low yields, climate-induced stress, and poor agronomic practices.
Field observations revealed that the demonstration plot recorded significantly stronger performance compared to traditional method.
The improved results were attributed to the use of enhanced seed varieties, quality inputs, and technical guidance, alongside climate-smart practices such as drilling planting methods and precision fertilizer application.
Participants noted visible differences between the improved and conventional plots, with the former showing better crop establishment, higher uniformity, and improved seed density—factors critical to boosting yield and resilience.
Chairman of Taura Local Government Area, Shuaibu Hambali, described SAA as a longstanding and dependable partner in agricultural development, highlighting its contributions to strengthening extension services and building the technical capacity of field officers over the past three decades.
For many farmers, the demonstration served as compelling evidence of the effectiveness of modern agricultural practices under local conditions. Leader of the Gilima Wheat Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Yaro Gilima, said the results had significantly boosted farmers’ confidence.
“What we have seen on this field is very encouraging. The wheat variety is performing better than our traditional varieties, even under changing weather conditions. I will adopt this method on my farm,” he said.
Another participant, Bilkisu, noted that the training exposed farmers to simple but impactful adjustments in planting techniques and fertilizer application.
According to her, the adoption of drilling planting methods and proper fertilizer use—covering timing, quantity, and placement—has demonstrated clear potential to improve both yields and income.
Dignitaries at the event included Dangabi Kwalam, traditional leaders from Gilima Community, representatives of Jigawa Farm Mechanization Services, and SAA officials.
Speaking on the broader scope of the initiative, SAA/Jigawa State Project Lead, Albert Taru, disclosed that the intervention extends beyond production, with ongoing efforts to install post-harvest handling and value addition facilities across participating communities.
The Field Day forms part of a broader strategy by SAA and the Jigawa State Government to enhance agricultural productivity through improved seed systems, Good Agricultural Practices, and climate-smart innovations.
The partnership gained renewed momentum in October 2025 following the signing of a five-year addendum to the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, reinforcing their commitment to strengthening food systems and farmer resilience.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized the urgent need to scale up such farmer-tested, practical solutions, noting that expanding access to climate-smart technologies will be critical to improving wheat output, safeguarding livelihoods, and advancing food security across Jigawa State.
