By Joel Ajayi
The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) has officially launched its Smallholder Farmers Initiative in Kaduna State, with a strong call for local ownership and sustainable agricultural practices.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Monday, October 10, 2025, the National Coordinator and CEO of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, urged the 345 selected beneficiaries to take full responsibility for the success of the project. He encouraged them to embrace modern farming techniques and make effective use of the agricultural inputs provided.
Hon. Abdullahi emphasized that the initiative supports both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which prioritize inclusive, climate-smart agriculture and food security.
The event also highlighted strong support from the Kaduna State Government. Representing Governor Uba Sani, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Sani Kila, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to agricultural development.
He noted the government’s continued investment in feeder roads, storage facilities, farmer training, and access to markets as key components of its agricultural strategy.
Hon. Kila commended AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria for implementing a grassroots-driven program that directly empowers smallholder farmers across the state.
As part of the support package, beneficiaries received improved seedlings—maize, cowpea, soybean, pepper, and tomato—along with fertilizers, agrochemicals, compost manure, and irrigation water tanks.
Kaduna is the fifth of seven pilot states benefiting from the AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria Smallholder Farmers Initiative, aimed at boosting food production and strengthening rural livelihoods across the country.
