Shares North West Vision for Agricultural Transformation, Economic Growth
KTSG, AfDB Partner to Empower Communities
Katsina State Governor and the Chairman of the North West Governors Forum, Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD CON, has strengthened global partnership on agricultural transformation, economic growth and job creation at the prestigious 2024 World Food Prize program in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
The event, which brings together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders, focused on addressing critical issues in food security, agricultural innovation, and sustainable development.
During the World Food Prize program, Governor Radda participated actively in the Africa Agriculture Dialogue, organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) on October 30, 2024.
The dialogue, themed “Seeds of Prosperity – Compounding Investments for Catalytic Growth,” brought together prominent African leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to shape the continent’s agricultural future.
Speaking as a distinguished panelist in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) session, Governor Radda presented Katsina’s strategy for leveraging SAPZ as a vital component of the state’s agricultural development.
“We must create an enabling environment for private sector investments,” the Governor stated, emphasizing SAPZ’s crucial role in enhancing productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing value addition through processing.
Governor Radda, addressing the gathering in his dual capacity as Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North West Governors Forum, stressed the importance of targeted investments and collaborative partnerships.
“Our vision extends beyond Katsina to encompass the entire North West region,” he noted, highlighting the shared commitment among regional states to drive agricultural transformation for economic growth, job creation, and sustained food security.
A significant highlight of the Governor’s visit was his bilateral meeting with AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. The leaders discussed strategic collaborations to support agricultural development and economic empowerment in Katsina State and the broader North West region.
Both parties pledged to advance sustainable agricultural solutions that empower communities and foster prosperity.
The administration’s vision for agricultural development was evident in Governor Radda’s engagement at both the World Food Prize and Africa Agriculture Dialogue. Katsina State has launched innovative programmes focusing on yield enhancement, mechanization promotion, and agro-industrial hub development, all aimed at strengthening the agricultural value chain.
The Katsina State delegation included the Executive Director of Development Partnerships, Katsina State Development Management Board, Maryam Yahaya and the Lead Consultant, who represented the state’s agricultural and economic partnership interests.
The Governor’s participation demonstrated Katsina’s dedication to adopting global insights and best practices for transforming the state’s agricultural sector.
These high-level discussions point to Katsina’s commitment to advancing food security and economic diversification. Through partnerships with institutions like the AfDB, the state is positioning itself as a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria, setting standards for progress across the North West region.
Going forward, Katsina State will implement insights gained from the World Food Prize program and Africa Agriculture Dialogue.
The state government, in conjunction with the North West Governors Forum, promise to continue developing policies and programs promoting sustainable agriculture, economic growth, and shared prosperity for all citizens.
While rounding off the session, Governor Radda expressed profound gratitude to the African Development Bank and all development partners for their continued support of Katsina State and the North West region’s agricultural and economic development initiatives.
“The state remains optimistic about building a robust agricultural economy for future generations,” Governor Radda concluded.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
About The Author
Fine.
If you are looking for rough agricultural products, we have them.
Our concerns are;-
1. Shift from manual to mechanize farming
2. Shifting from Genetic to Natural/Organic
3. Shifting from rainy season faming to all year round faming
4. Shifting from single food crops to mixed food and cash crops
5. Shifting from peasant farming to Large scale farming
6. Shifting from over wastage to modern food storage and preservation
7. Shifting from ordinary suppliers to value chain producers.
8. Shifting from ordinary sellers to partners in price registration and bargain
9. Shifting from hunger in the midst of plenty to producers with Home based food security and Nutrition conscious
10. Shifting from male dominated agriculture to Women active participation in farming
11. Shifting from protein deficiency to active Animal, fish, poultry farmers
12. Shifting from Conventional/Traditional cattle rearing to Modern cattle rearing and Ranching.
13. Shifting from exporters of Hides and skin to developers of Hides and skin products
14. Shifting from dependants on Fertilizer and insecticide to producers of Organic fertilizer and insecticide using Local resources like Neem
15. Shifting from local milk and meat processing to modern milk and meat processing
16. Shifting from misused of Human resources to activate engagement of our youths in Farming
17. Shifting from misused of our water resources water reservoirs and borehole to effective utilization of our water resources for dry seasons farming.
18. Shifting from planting in economical trees in our shelter belts to planting economic trees for food and cash
19. Shifting from negligence on extinctions of medicinal plants to the idea of conservation of medicinal plants
20. Shifting from current National Policy on land and resources control to Land and resources policy reforms.
One Nation different destiny. Our Destiny is in our hands and Our resources are part of Our destiny.
Food Security is number one priority.
Finally we must be careful with the Global plan to dominate food production by syndicates
Yours Ibrahim Sogiji Katsina
My suggestions.