In order to promote mechanized farming, environmental sustainability, and women’s inclusion throughout the state, the Kwara State Government has deepened its collaboration with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria and other agricultural stakeholders.
During a courtesy visit to the Kwara State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes in Ilorin, the leadership of the Kwara State chapter of AFAN reiterated their renewed commitment.
This was said in a statement that KWACReSAL Communication Officer Okanlawon Taiwo released on Tuesday; The PUNCH in Ilorin was given access to a copy of the statement.
During the meeting, Shamsideen Aregbe, the State Project Coordinator of KWACReSAL, gave farmers assurances about the state government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing food production, mechanized agriculture, and climate resilience.”Tractorization remains a critical component of modern agriculture,” he stated. Increasing production and resolving issues with food security throughout the state require access to farming equipment.
He clarified that the tractor support program, which was launched last year, was the result of a presidential order and an intervention supported by the World Bank that sought to assist farmers with mechanized farming equipment.
Aregbe assured stakeholders that measures were underway to ascertain the equipment’s condition and operating status in order to facilitate farmers’ efficient use of it, acknowledging concerns expressed over operational difficulties impacting certain tractors.
We need to continue working with farming communities, especially when it comes to issues like flooding, agricultural logistics, and food security,” he continued.
The necessity of gender equality and inclusion in agricultural initiatives throughout the state was also emphasized by the project coordinator.
Women’s inclusion cannot be negotiated. Women’s active participation in agricultural programs and leadership processes must continue to be encouraged and supported,” he said.
Shuaib Ajibola, the Chairman of AFAN in Kwara State, had praised KWACReSAL for its agricultural sector interventions and reiterated the association’s willingness to work together on initiatives targeted at enhancing farmers’ welfare and environmental sustainability.
After its recent inauguration ceremonies, Ajibola said that the association intended to start an agricultural expo and stakeholder engagement program around the state in order to boost agricultural outreach and reestablish connections with farmers.
“Previous iterations of the interventions involved stakeholders from various agricultural sectors and covered the 16 local government areas of the state,” he stated.
Concerns about land use disputes and other agricultural issues affecting farmlands were also brought up by the AFAN chairman, who noted that some farming communities had become anxious about land ownership and rights as a result of the development.
“To settle conflicts and guarantee peaceful farming activities across communities, there is a need for sustained stakeholder dialogue and engagement,” Ajibola continued.
Speaking as well, AbdulRahman Babatunde, the AFAM Project Coordinator, praised KWACReSAL for its assistance to farmers, particularly with regard to agricultural inputs and mechanized farming.
According to Babatunde, “ACReSAL gave participating farmers 100% agricultural inputs last year, and beneficiaries across communities can attest to the positive impact of the intervention.”
He revealed that farmers were busy registering, hiring tractors, and preparing their farmlands for the current planting season.
Sherifat Ibrahim, the AFAM Women Leader, said in her speech that rural women should receive more technical training and empowerment so they may actively engage in mechanized farming.
“There is a need for gender-friendly operational systems and practical training that will make tractor handling easier and more accessible for women and young learners involved in agricultural programs,” she stated. Meanwhile, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed, KWACReSAL’s Environmental Safeguards Officer, reiterated the project’s dedication to women’s inclusion, gender equality, and efficient grievance management across all project activities. The renewed cooperation coincides with the Kwara state government’s expanding initiatives to boost climate-smart agriculture and increase food production through collaborations with foreign organizations, development agencies, and farmer associations.
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