The Bauchi State Government has introduced an irrigation farming initiative in Gamawa Local Government Area to empower young people and strengthen food security after last year’s devastating floods.
Bauchi is among the states most affected by seasonal flooding, which has repeatedly destroyed farmlands, displaced households, and undermined agricultural productivity.
Speaking during a media tour on Sunday, the Chairman of Gamawa LGA, Ahmad Gololo, said the new approach is designed to provide farmers, particularly youths, with sustainable alternatives to rain-fed farming.
“As a result, we supported our youths with grain seedlings and provided security to safeguard farms from herders. You know that during the dry season, animals roam freely, so we collaborated with traditional leaders and all stakeholders to ensure security,” Gololo explained.
He noted that irrigation farming had already boosted local revenue significantly. “If I tell you that the council has gained N5bn in revenue, I am not mistaken,” he added.
The intervention is part of broader efforts by the state government to mitigate climate risks, create jobs, and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Officials say promoting irrigation farming could help restore lost livelihoods while opening up new opportunities for agribusiness and rural development.
In 2023, floods ravaged several LGAs in Bauchi, including Gamawa, leaving thousands of farmers counting heavy losses. Authorities now see irrigation farming as a pathway to recovery and resilience for affected communities.
