AUDA-NEPAD Empowers 90 Yobe Farmers With Smart Irrigation Inputs

The African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), Yobe State Office, has empowered 90 farmers across six local government areas with modern smart irrigation inputs under its new Youth Smart Irrigation Intervention Programme.

A statement by the Information Officer of the agency, Alhaji Kolo said the intervention was formally launched at the Yobe State Arts and Cultural Centre, Damaturu, in a ceremony chaired by the Governor, Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni.

Speaking at the occasion, the Governor, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ya’u Usman Dachia, said the initiative aligns with the state government’s ongoing agricultural reforms aimed at improving productivity, expanding food production, and strengthening food security.

He noted that the present administration has introduced several agricultural support programmes, and the AUDA-NEPAD intervention will further accelerate the state’s transition from subsistence farming to large-scale, modern agriculture.

Governor Buni urged the beneficiaries to put the smart irrigation inputs to effective use for increased output and economic growth.

“This support is an opportunity for our young farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the state’s agricultural development,” he said.

The Executive Secretary/Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD in Yobe State, Alhaji Shettima Kachallah, appreciated Governor Buni for his continuous commitment to initiatives that improve the wellbeing and productivity of the people.

The Coordinator explained that the agency’s mandate is to strengthen community resilience, enhance food security, and promote inclusive growth adding that the programme covers six LGAs across the three senatorial districts, with 15 farmers selected from each local government bringing the first batch of beneficiaries to 90.

Kachallah added that the intervention will soon be extended to the remaining local government areas in the state, ensuring that more farmers benefit from modern irrigation techniques.

Items distributed includes wheat seeds, herbicides, sprayers, fertilizers am0ong other farm inputs.