Katsina State has launched a N100 million Climate-Smart Agribusiness Empowerment Scheme aimed at transforming smallholder farming into a commercially viable and climate-resilient enterprise. The initiative, championed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda in partnership with AUDA-NEPAD, is designed to equip farmers with the tools, training, and market access needed to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape.
The project is co-funded by AUDA-NEPAD with N63.75 million and the Katsina State Government with N36.25 million. It focuses on helping farmers move beyond subsistence-level farming by adopting climate-resilient practices such as the use of improved seed varieties, solar-powered irrigation systems, modern farm equipment, and ongoing technical support.
Governor Radda described the programme as an investment in the people and economy of Katsina, urging agricultural extension workers to ensure efficient distribution and monitoring of the provided resources.
AUDA-NEPAD’s National Coordinator, Salisu Jabiru Tsauri, said the initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. He also pointed to Katsina’s broader agricultural agenda, which includes ongoing dam repairs and the acquisition of over 20,000 metric tons of fertiliser to support food production.
Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Maryam Sodangi, emphasized the scheme’s role in bolstering food security and long-term climate resilience, especially at the grassroots level.
By empowering smallholder farmers with sustainable tools and market-driven strategies, the scheme is expected to boost productivity, increase rural incomes, and strengthen Katsina’s agribusiness ecosystem.
