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In a renewed effort to strengthen agricultural productivity and build resilience against climate change, the Katsina State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has trained farmers on climate-smart agriculture and the sustainable use of farm inputs.
The capacity-building workshop, held at the Sahara Suite Hotel in Katsina, brought together farmers from Katsina, Jibia, and Kaita Local Government Areas, alongside agricultural experts and officials of the State Project Management Unit (SPMU).
The training focused on equipping participants with modern farming techniques, climate adaptation strategies, and best practices for the efficient use of agricultural inputs to improve yields and safeguard the environment.
Declaring the workshop open, the Katsina ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Alhaji Nafiu Mohammed Musa, said the initiative was designed to prepare farmers for the effective utilization of agricultural support packages expected to be distributed by the project.
He explained that the training forms part of ACReSAL’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural resilience, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable farming practices across Katsina State.
According to him, empowering farmers with practical knowledge remains critical to achieving increased productivity and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.
Alhaji Nafiu noted that the successes recorded by the project so far have been made possible through the unwavering support of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, whose administration has prioritized agricultural development and rural transformation.
He commended the governor for creating an enabling environment that has allowed the project to implement impactful interventions aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities across the state.
The Project Coordinator urged participants to pay close attention to the presentations and apply the knowledge gained to enhance their farming activities and maximize future support from the project.
Earlier, the Environmental Safeguard Officer and Agricultural Officer of the project, Sanusi Mohammed Faskari, highlighted the objectives of the workshop, emphasizing the importance of helping farmers adapt to climate change while ensuring responsible use of fertilizers, improved seeds, and agrochemicals.
He stressed that modern agriculture requires farmers to embrace innovative techniques capable of increasing productivity without degrading the environment.
One of the resource persons, Malam Tanimu Hamza of the Katsina State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA), delivered an extensive presentation on the sustainable use of farm inputs.
He emphasized that proper application of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs not only boosts crop yields but also reduces waste, lowers production costs, and minimizes environmental damage.
Participants were also exposed to climate-smart agricultural practices through a presentation by Dr. Ahmed Aliyu of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic.
The expert outlined various adaptation measures that farmers can adopt to cope with changing weather patterns, conserve soil and water resources, and improve productivity in a sustainable manner.
He encouraged farmers to embrace innovative farming methods capable of withstanding the growing impacts of climate change on agricultural production.
The workshop featured an interactive session where Dr. Aminu Sa’idu Ado responded to questions from participants and provided practical solutions to challenges relating to climate adaptation, soil fertility management, and improved farming techniques.
Farmers actively participated in discussions, sharing experiences and challenges encountered in their respective communities, particularly issues relating to erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility, and rising production costs.
Many participants described the training as timely and impactful, noting that the knowledge acquired would help them improve productivity, increase efficiency in the use of farm inputs, and better adapt to climate-related challenges.
They expressed appreciation to the Katsina ACReSAL Project for organizing the workshop and pledged to apply the lessons learned while extending the knowledge to other farmers within their communities.
As climate change continues to pose significant challenges to agriculture, stakeholders believe initiatives such as the ACReSAL training programme will play a crucial role in building resilient farming systems, improving food production, and securing sustainable livelihoods for thousands of farmers across Katsina State.
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