Katsina empowers 89,000 farmers to strengthen food security

Katsina State has provided support to 89,000 farmers under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action for Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARE) programme, one of the largest agricultural empowerment initiatives in the state’s recent history.

Implemented through the programme’s FADAMA component, the intervention aims to restore livelihoods disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic while boosting food security and rural incomes.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP, NG-CARE State Coordinator Nafiu Mohammad Musa explained that the programme was designed to cushion farmers from the economic shocks caused by movement restrictions, market closures, and supply chain disruptions during the pandemic.

“During COVID-19, many farmers could not access farms, inputs, or markets. NG-CARE was introduced to reverse that damage and build long-term resilience,” Musa said.

Beneficiaries received a range of agricultural inputs and productive assets, including improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, sprayers, fingerlings for fish farming, and day-old chicks for poultry. Farmer groups were also supported with mechanised equipment such as power tillers, threshers, grinders, and milling machines to improve productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

Musa noted that the initiative forms a key pillar of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s “Building Your Future” agenda, which prioritises food security, rural development, and economic empowerment. “By supporting 89,000 farmers, the state government is improving household income while strengthening food availability and stabilising prices across communities,” he said.

The NG-CARE programme operates on a Performance-for-Results (P4R) model, under which the Katsina State Government invests in projects while the World Bank assesses and reimburses verified outcomes. This model has enabled the state to attract significant funding while ensuring accountability and value for money.

Farmers across several local government areas have already reported increased yields and reduced production costs, particularly those benefiting from shared mechanisation equipment and improved inputs. The programme also promotes sustainable agricultural growth through modern farming practices, cooperative ownership of assets, and inclusive access to resources for smallholder farmers.

With the first phase of NG-CARE concluding in December 2025, Governor Radda has submitted an expression of interest to the World Bank for NG-CARE 2.0, aiming to expand agricultural and livelihood support across the state.

“As we move into the next phase, the focus will be on deepening impact and ensuring that more farmers and rural households benefit from government-supported interventions,” the governor said.