The Kaduna State government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have signed a Technical Cooperation Project to address food security and leverage its potentials in agriculture.
The project also seeks to support the small-holder farmers so as to address hunger, malnutrition and to stimulate an inclusive socio-economic growth in the state.
The project, titled ‘’Smart Tomato Value Chain Enhancement through Sustainable Practices for Livelihood Improvement in Kaduna State,’’ was signed at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Thursday.
Speaking earlier, Governor Uba Sani said: ‘’Kaduna State holds great potential for Nigeria’s food security as the leading producer of many agricultural produce, including ginger, maize, soybean, tomato, sorghum etc’’.
He added: ‘’Agriculture accounts for more than 51% of our GDP and employs more than 70% of our population, mostly youth that make up nearly half of our over 10 million population.
‘’We are also blessed with favourable climatic conditions that support the production of a vast array of agricultural produce and year-round agricultural activities.
‘’Kaduna State is one of the leading tomato-producing states in the country. It is our hope that this new partnership will catalyze our rapid progression toward attaining and maintaining the coveted top spot as a major producer in Nigeria and West Africa.”
According to him, the primary source of income for the majority of the people is agriculture, adding: “That is why we allocated about N74 billion or 9.3% of our 2025 budget, in our effort towards meeting the 2014 Malabo Declaration of 10% budgetary allocation to agriculture.’’
Sani pointed out that the budgetary allocation to agriculture demonstrates his administration’s commitment to food security and sustainable livelihood, even as a subnational government.
He argued that accelerating agricultural growth and transformation is capital-intensive and that is why his government welcomes this opportunity to partner with the FAO and “enhance our tomato production value chain through sustainable practices.’’
In his remarks, the FAO Country Representative, Koffy Dominique Kouacou, said that the organisation was committed to strengthening the entire tomato value chain—addressing challenges in production, post-harvest and strengthening cooperatives.’
He said the United Nations agency would focus on enhancing production techniques to improve yields and quality, reduce post-harvest losses through better storage, processing and infrastructure development.
He said that the FAO would continuously advocate for agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems in the northwest region and Kaduna State in particular.
Kouacou said: ‘’Kaduna State—and indeed Nigeria—has the capacity to become a powerhouse in agricultural production, value addition, and food security, not only for the nation but for the continent.”
According to him, there are a lot of opportunities for economic growth, food security and prosperity ‘’if we harness this potential strategically and collaboratively.’’
He said that the signing of the TCP marks the beginning of a transformative initiative—one that would not only enhance agricultural productivity but also improve livelihoods and economic resilience in Kaduna State.
‘’This signing ceremony represents more than just an agreement; it is a milestone in our shared journey toward sustainable development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth,’’ he added.
Kouacou also commended the governor ‘’for his visionary leadership in fostering collaboration and creating an enabling environment for development.”
