Bayero University Distributes 2.85 Tonnes of Improved Seeds to Boost Food Security in Northern Nigeria

The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University Kano, has distributed 2.85 tonnes of improved seed varieties to farmers across 22 adopted communities and five additional seed-producing communities as part of efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and climate resilience in Northern Nigeria.

The distribution was carried out during the Centre’s 4th Open Day, held on Tuesday at Bayero University, Kano.

The annual event brought together farmers, researchers, policymakers, development partners, agro-industrial firms, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and strengthen partnerships aimed at advancing agricultural development.

The improved seed varieties distributed included cowpea, maize, millet, sorghum, soybean, and rice. Beneficiaries also included junior staff members of the Faculties of Agriculture and Earth and Environmental Sciences, as well as the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, to encourage household food production and improve livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, described the Open Day as an important platform that bridges the gap between research and practical agricultural solutions.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni, the Vice-Chancellor said the gathering provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify emerging challenges, and develop practical strategies to improve agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable development across Africa.

He commended the Centre for Dryland Agriculture for its achievements under the Africa Centres of Excellence initiative, noting that the Centre has emerged as a leading hub for research, innovation, capacity building, and technology transfer in dryland agriculture.

According to him, the Centre’s research on improved crop varieties, climate-smart agriculture, soil health management, sustainable farming systems, and agricultural value chains continues to generate solutions capable of transforming agriculture in dryland regions and improving the livelihoods of farming communities.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed, said the Open Day offers an opportunity to demonstrate the impact of the Centre’s research while strengthening the link between scientific discoveries and practical solutions for farmers and rural communities.

He explained that the seed distribution initiative was designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve household incomes, strengthen food systems, and enhance the ability of farming communities to adapt to climate variability and climate change.

Professor Mohammed stressed that addressing food insecurity requires strong collaboration among stakeholders and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with local and international organisations working to advance agricultural development and food security.

He noted that collective action remains critical to overcoming the growing challenges facing agriculture in dryland regions.

Beneficiary farmers expressed appreciation to the Centre, stating that its interventions have consistently improved farming practices through training, access to improved seed varieties, and modern agricultural techniques. They noted that these efforts have contributed to higher yields, increased productivity, and improved food security in their communities.

A major highlight of the Open Day was a research and innovation exhibition, where agro-allied companies showcased a range of agricultural products, technologies, and services.

The event attracted several development partners and stakeholders, including the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Indorama Fertilizer Company, and the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA).