Sasakawa Africa Association Boosts Smallholder Farmers' Income in Nasarawa State

Agricultural interventions by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) have significantly improved the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly rice farmers, in Nasarawa state. The Japanese-based non-governmental organization has provided training on modern and sustainable farming practices, promoting self-reliance among farmers. The interventions have not only boosted farm produce but also increased farmers' income, with some households experiencing a significant improvement in their financial situation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Sasakawa Africa Association has implemented agricultural interventions in six local government areas in Nasarawa state, including Lafia, Doma, Obi, Awe, Akwanga, and Keffi.
• The association's efforts have led to the creation of a rice aggregation centre in Assakio village, which has provided employment to 67 labourers and generated N12.1 million in revenue since its commissioning last year.
• The centre has also improved the revenue of the Apashi Woza Cooperative Society, with Emmanuel Angulu Odeh, the chairman of the cooperative, stating that the centre has brought an industrial revolution to the Assakio community.
• The SAA's interventions have also inspired members of the Muyi Noma Women Cooperative Society in Sabon Gida village to adopt climate-smart practices, agribusiness mindsets, and household nutrition priorities.
• The production and use of biochar and bokashi have improved yields and income for the women cooperative, with Mary Daniel, the leader of the group, stating that the use of biochar and bokashi has increased their rice production significantly.
• The SAA's efforts have also positively impacted the lives of individual farmers, with Yusuf Kuje Ekom, a lead farmer in Alage community, stating that he can now pay his children's school fees without hitches thanks to the association's interventions.

Statistics:

• The Sasakawa Africa Association has generated N12.1 million in revenue from the rice aggregation centre in Assakio village since its commissioning last year.
• The centre has provided employment to 67 labourers.
• Emmanuel Angulu Odeh, chairman of the Apashi Woza Cooperative Society, stated that the centre has generated a total income of N12.1 million since its commissioning.
• Mary Daniel, leader of the Muyi Noma Women Cooperative Society, stated that they have been able to make, sell, and save money from the production of biochar and bokashi.
• The women cooperative has sponsored five out-of-school children to join junior secondary school (JSS1) and plans to enroll more.

Sources:

• Emmanuel Angulu Odeh, Chairman of Apashi Woza Cooperative Society, Lafia local government area, Nasarawa state.
• Mr. Danjuma Atapeshi, Chief Security Officer, Rice Aggregation Centre, Assakio village, Lafia local government area, Nasarawa state.
• Mary Daniel, Leader, Muyi Noma Women Cooperative Society, Sabon Gida village, Nasarawa state.
• Yusuf Kuje Ekom, Lead Farmer, Alage community, Doma LGA, Nasarawa state.
• Country Director of SAA, Dr. Godwin Atser.