The NNPC Foundation has launched a major agricultural empowerment initiative with the flag-off of its Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme in Kano, aimed at boosting food security and transforming farming practices across northern Nigeria.
The programme, which began on Tuesday, is designed to equip farmers with the skills and resources needed to increase yields, cut post-harvest losses, and strengthen household incomes. More than 7,000 farmers have already registered across four geopolitical zones, with a focus on vulnerable groups, particularly women and young people who play a key role in Nigeria’s agricultural workforce.
Speaking at the launch, the managing director of the foundation said the initiative goes beyond traditional farming techniques to offer practical tools and opportunities that can transform rural livelihoods. Represented by the foundation’s executive director of finance, she explained that the training would help farmers transition from subsistence to sustainable farming practices.
“This programme is about equipping our farmers with practical skills, proven methods, and market access strategies. We want them to be able to farm smarter, earn better, and live with greater confidence,” she said.
The training covers climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest management, financial literacy, cooperative building, and the use of digital tools to access wider markets. These modules are designed to prepare farmers for modern agricultural challenges and help them adapt to the impacts of climate change on food production.
The foundation urged farmers from Kano and Jigawa states to take full advantage of the sessions, noting that the success of the programme would be reflected in improved productivity, reduced losses, and stronger cooperatives that enhance their bargaining power.
The Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources described the initiative as timely and aligned with the state’s efforts to transform agriculture into a driver of economic growth and food sufficiency. He highlighted the state’s ongoing investments in agricultural reforms, including the employment of over 1,000 extension officers and the promotion of mechanised farming to support smallholder farmers.
“This collaboration with the NNPC Foundation will further strengthen our drive to make Kano a hub of agricultural excellence,” he said.
For many farmers, the programme is already raising hope. A beneficiary from Gwale Local Government Area expressed gratitude to the foundation, saying the training would mobilise farmers towards increased food production and improved livelihoods.
The Kano flag-off marks another milestone in the NNPC Foundation’s nationwide effort to empower vulnerable farmers. With agriculture remaining central to Nigeria’s economy, the initiative represents a significant step toward building resilience, boosting productivity, and driving shared prosperity in farming communities.
