Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity donates certified seeds to Borno State

15 July 2024

In a collaborative effort to boost agricultural productivity and support sustainable farming practices, the Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity (NIAA) donated 17 tons of certified seeds to the Borno State Government recently. The Activity is a five-and-half-year program being implemented by the IITA-CGIAR and its partner, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) as part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s contribution to the economic recovery in Northeast Nigeria, in the wake of the devastation caused by insurgency in the region.

The certified seeds donated by the Activity, including rice, soybean, and maize varieties, were recovered from the Community-Based Seed Entrepreneurs (CBSEs) after the successful 2023 wet season seed production. Initially loaned to the CBSEs as foundation seeds, the seeds were meticulously cultivated and harvested, bolstering the effectiveness of the community-based seed production model. The donation aims to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and vulnerable populations in Borno State, ensuring they have access to high-quality seeds for the upcoming planting seasons.

Following the seed donation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IITA and the Borno State Government. This MoU is a step forward in collaborative efforts to further strengthen agricultural development in the region. The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including NIAA Chief of Party, Prakash Kant Silwal, and the Deputy Chief of Party, Kayode Faleti. The Deputy Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, received the donation on behalf of the state government.

The MoU outlined a comprehensive framework for cooperation, focusing on several critical areas such as the establishment of the Agriculture Technology and Business Incubation Centre, and scaling up the CBSE Model to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Northeast.

The agreement will help in strengthening the extension services, thereby providing effective support to farmers in Borno state.

During the event, Philemon Fada, a member of the Kam-Lau Community-Based Seed Entrepreneurs, highlighted the profound impact of NIAA's initiatives on their agricultural practices.

"In just one year, we have seen significant growth and development," he said. "The introduction of modern farming techniques and high-quality seeds has revolutionized our approach to agriculture. We are grateful to USAID and IITA for their support and look forward to continued collaboration."

The Borno State Government has assured commitment to mobilizing the resources needed to fully achieve the objectives outlined in the MoU. They are working closely with FAO and other donors to develop a comprehensive framework for cooperation, ensuring that the necessary support and partnerships are in place.

As part of this collaboration, other key areas will be improving market systems, enhancing youth and women's engagement in agri-entrepreneurship, and diversifying livelihoods to strengthen community resilience. The initiative also aims to build a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and ensure that the targeted outcomes and results are achieved. By leveraging modern techniques, high-quality seeds, and community-based models, the collaboration has the promise of a lasting impact on the livelihoods of farmers in Borno State.

As the Activity draws to a close in Northeast Nigeria, this commitment is a sustainability measure in ensuring that the farming community continues to enjoy offerings of the five-and-half-year engagement that has now culminated in the Seed System Development for Northeast Nigeria, a model that has a potential for nationwide scaling and benefits.

Contributed by Olorunfemi Adedeji

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