The Special Agro-Industrial Processing (SAP) Programme under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has commenced the distribution of home gardening toolkits to 1,445 households across eight local government areas in Kano State.
The initiative, which falls under the SAP Targeted Nutrition Support Programme, is aimed at empowering households, especially women and vulnerable groups, to cultivate nutrient-rich vegetables and crops within their homes. It is designed to promote food self-sufficiency, improved nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods across rural communities.
The benefiting local government areas include Kura, Garun-Mallam, Bebeji, Dambatta, Gezawa, Dawakin Tofa, Bichi, and Bagwai.
Speaking during the official launch in Kano, the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of SAP, Aminu Iliyasu, said the intervention was introduced to strengthen household food production, reduce reliance on external food sources, and enhance local economic stability.
“These toolkits will enable families to grow vegetables and small-scale crops suited to their local environment. This will not only cut household food costs but also allow them to sell surplus produce for additional income,” he said.
He explained that the distribution is part of a broader plan to reduce the effects of rising food prices and shortages while improving dietary diversity in rural areas. According to him, supporting home gardening aligns with Nigeria’s agricultural development goals, as it creates opportunities for economic resilience and rural empowerment.
In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Danjuma Mahmoud, described the programme as a transformative step in repositioning agriculture as a key driver of rural development and economic growth.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bashir Sanusi, the Commissioner commended SAP’s focus on women and youth, saying it supports the agricultural vision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.
He further mentioned other ongoing agricultural initiatives in the state, such as livestock distribution, mechanized farming support, and the recruitment of over 1,000 young agricultural extension workers.
The SAP initiative is jointly implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), IFAD, state governments, private sector stakeholders, and local communities. It aims to boost household food security, reduce malnutrition, and stimulate local economies through materials sourced from community-based suppliers.