By Abel Zwanke, Lafia
Farmers in Nasarawa State have recorded remarkable increases in rice production after adopting climate-smart agricultural practices introduced by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), Nigeria, with support from The Nippon Foundation of Japan.
Across Doma, Lafia, and Obi Local Government Areas, the new techniques have boosted yields, improved livelihoods, and strengthened food security for farming communities.
During a two-day media field tour, a rice farmer from Alagye community in Doma LGA, Mr. Timothy Audu Akwash, representing the Albarka Cooperative Society, said the training he received from SAA transformed his farming operations.
“Before Sasakawa came, I used to harvest about 70 or 80 bags of rice from my 300 by 300 feet farmland. But with the new planting method and fertiliser application techniques they taught us, I now get up to 225 bags of rice,” Akwash said.
He explained that prior to the intervention, most farmers broadcast seeds and fertilisers directly onto their fields, leading to waste and low yields. SAA trained them to raise rice seedlings in nursery beds before transplanting and to use the Urea Deep Placement (UDP) technique for fertiliser application—an innovation that significantly increased productivity.
Akwash highlighted additional technologies introduced by SAA, including good agronomic practices, biochar, e-kakashi, greenhouse gas emission measurement, and other soil enhancement methods. He urged the government and stakeholders to establish a rice aggregation centre in Alagye to improve market access and income for farmers.
In Assakio community, Lafia LGA, Mr. Emmanuel Angulu, Chairman of the Apashi Woza Cooperative Society, described the intervention as an “industrial revolution” for local rice farming.
“The rice aggregation centre built here has changed everything. Farmers now bring their rice for processing instead of milling in their villages. The centre is well-equipped and has opened new business opportunities, especially for youths and women,” Angulu stated.
Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director of SAA, Nigeria, said the organisation is implementing a range of agricultural initiatives across Nasarawa to empower farmers with regenerative and climate-smart practices.
“Thousands of women and youth farmers have learnt innovative farming techniques that improve productivity and resilience,” Dr. Atser said. “On behalf of our President, Mr. Shuichi Suzuki, and The Nippon Foundation, we appreciate the support of the Nasarawa State Government.”
He explained that the interventions are part of SAA’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan, which promotes regenerative, market-oriented, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture—pillars designed to increase yields, enhance resilience, and improve livelihoods.
“SAA remains committed to supporting Nasarawa’s vision for food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and youth inclusion in agriculture,” he added.
Mr. Umar Jibrin Nuhu, Programme Manager of the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Programme (NADP), commended SAA for advancing modern farming techniques that are transforming the sector.
“We appreciate Sasakawa for their contribution to agricultural development in Nasarawa. The results are visible, and the government is ready to partner with any organisation that helps fight hunger and boost rural livelihoods,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Salome Sabo, SAA State Coordinator, and Mr. Moses Nongoatse, Communication Officer, reaffirmed the NGO’s commitment to expanding its interventions across the state.
“We introduce climate-smart varieties that withstand drought, resist diseases, and produce high yields,” Nongoatse said, noting that SAA currently operates in six LGAs—Lafia, Doma, Obi, Awe, Akwanga, and Keffi—with plans for further expansion.
