KWARA STATE STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION WITH FARMERS TO BOOST AGRICULTURE
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The Kwara State Government has deepened its collaboration with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and other agricultural stakeholders to promote mechanised farming, environmental sustainability, and greater inclusion of women in agriculture across the state.
The renewed partnership was reinforced during a courtesy visit by AFAN’s Kwara State leadership to the Kwara State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (KWACReSAL) office in Ilorin.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by KWACReSAL Communication Officer, Okanlawon Taiwo.
Speaking at the meeting, KWACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Shamsideen Aregbe, assured farmers of continued government support aimed at boosting food production, expanding mechanised agriculture, and strengthening climate resilience.
He emphasised that access to tractors and other farm equipment remains essential to improving productivity and ensuring food security in the state.
Aregbe noted that the tractor support programme introduced last year was backed by a World Bank-supported initiative and a presidential directive designed to enhance access to mechanised farming tools.
He also acknowledged concerns about operational challenges affecting some tractors, saying efforts were ongoing to assess and restore equipment functionality for effective use by farmers.
The coordinator stressed the importance of sustained engagement with farming communities, particularly in addressing flooding, logistics challenges, and food security concerns.
He further highlighted the need for stronger gender inclusion in agricultural programmes, stating that women must be actively supported and encouraged to participate at all levels of the sector.
AFAN Chairman in Kwara State, Shuaib Ajibola, commended KWACReSAL for its interventions and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to partnering on initiatives that improve farmers’ welfare and environmental sustainability.
He disclosed plans to launch an agricultural expo and stakeholder engagement programme across all 16 local government areas to strengthen outreach and reconnect with farmers.
Ajibola also raised concerns over land disputes affecting farming communities, calling for continuous dialogue to ensure peaceful agricultural activities.
Other stakeholders, including AbdulRahman Babatunde of AFAM, praised KWACReSAL’s support, particularly its provision of agricultural inputs and mechanised farming assistance to farmers.
He noted that many beneficiaries had already resumed farming activities for the current season, with increased tractor usage and land preparation underway.
AFAM Women Leader, Sherifat Ibrahim, called for more empowerment programmes and technical training to enable women and young farmers to fully participate in mechanised agriculture.
She also advocated for gender-friendly systems that would make farming equipment more accessible to rural women.
KWACReSAL Environmental Safeguards Officer, Abubakar Mohammed, reaffirmed the project’s commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and effective grievance management across all interventions.
The partnership reflects ongoing efforts by the Kwara State Government to strengthen food production and promote climate-smart agriculture through collaboration with farmer groups and development partners.
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