From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Farming and livestock have received a boost in Kano as the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Thursday, formally unveiled the $95 million Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development project, (KSADP), a flagship project of his administration.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the project’s three-day workshop holding at Tahir Guest Palace, Ganduje stated that it aims to enhance agricultural productivity and competitiveness through access to input and credit, value addition and market access, extension services delivery and capacity building.
According to him, “the KSADP will provide the much – needed solution to farmer – herder conflicts, unfettered nomadism as well as enhance the development of pastoral communities.
“I want to believe that it is only project such as this one that can curb famers – herders clashes and security risks, improve farm yields, accelerate livestock production through adoption of modern best practices to generally improve the economic potentials of our small holder farmers.
“The project will improve the capacity of our herdsmen to produce and process more milk and pave way for quality beef production.We are of the belief that because of the security implication of nomadic life style such as farmer-herders clashes and the fact that the old system of cattle rearing is more cultural than economical, things must change.”
He added that, “we decided to create Ruga settlements in our forests such as Dansoshiya and with the help of this IsDB supported Project, we are going to make them full-fledged grazing reserves.
“I understand that through this project, the Dawanau International grains market, the largest grains market in West Africa will be upgraded through the provision of essential infrastructure that will help in improving its status as a foremost market. This is in consonance with our desire to promote food crop marketing and market access for our farmers.”
Ganduje assured that his government will ensure timely release of this counterpart fund of $5 million to facilitate smooth implementation of the project.
In his remarks, the Manager, Islamic Development Bank, Regional Hub of Abuja, Mr. Mayoro Niang, explained that the project is aligned to the bank President’s five year plan and the Federal government’s Economic Empowerment and Poverty Reduction Strategy.
He noted that, “this five year project will contribute to poverty reduction and to strengthen food and nutrition security of vulnerable population in Kano state through sustainable development of livestock and crop selected value chains.”
Niang maintained that the idea behind the workshop was to ensure that the quality of the project is maintained and to guarantee proper orientation on its specifics, under applicable policies and procedures of the bank.
In his remarks, Mr. Jena Jacques, from the Lives and Livelihood Funds, said his organization, a partner of the Islamic Development Bank group, is glad to work with the Kano state government to make positive impact on the lives of the poor.
He added that, “the fund is delighted to support not only Kano state but also other IsDB member countries to address community health, agriculture and basic infrastructure challenges.
“Our concessional financing comes with obligations including abiding all our rules and regulations, accurate procurement plan, clear disbursement plan and having maximum project impact, among others.”
The AUTHORITY reports that the is financed in conjunction with the Islamic Development Bank and the Life and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), a development initiative through which the bank and other organizations provide concessional financing to its member countries.
The objective of the project, expected to be implemented within a five year period, is to contribute to reducing poverty and strengthening food security in the state, being the most populous in Nigeria, by developing agro-pastoral production systems.
