KATSINA — Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched a $1 million food security project aimed at protecting vulnerable farming communities against recurring floods and drought in the state.
The 12-month intervention, titled “Protecting Food Security Against Recurring Floods and Drought,” will initially be implemented in Bindawa, Bakori and Kafur Local Government Areas, which were selected based on identified vulnerabilities and available data.
The project is organised by the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, with support from development partners and implementation by Mercy Corps Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch at Hillside Hotel, Katsina, Radda described climate change as a reality requiring collective action, stressing that protecting the environment and agricultural production was critical to food security, livelihoods and the state’s economy.
“Climate change is a reality. We have no way to hide from it, and we must confront it with all the capacity and ability so that together we can fight it,” the governor said.
Radda said the intervention was particularly important because Katsina is an agrarian state whose population depends heavily on agriculture.
He directed the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and KTDMB to ensure effective coordination among relevant government agencies and development partners, as well as strong collaboration with the three beneficiary local governments.
The governor also directed the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Climate Change to assess the project for possible expansion to other parts of the state.
“Our aim is for every local government in the state to benefit from this laudable initiative,” he said.
Dr Mustapha Shehu
The Executive Secretary of KTDMB, Dr Mustapha Shehu, said baseline assessments were already being conducted in the three beneficiary LGAs to establish benchmarks and generate data for possible expansion of the programme.
According to Mercy Corps Nigeria Programme Manager, Philip Ikita, the project will adopt a prevention-first approach, addressing challenges including floods, drought, soil erosion, poor storage facilities, post-harvest losses, poverty, inadequate drainage and poor water management.
He said soil bunds, contour barriers and drainage systems would be constructed on 150 selected farms to protect agricultural land from erosion and flooding.
The project will also restore degraded land through vegetation and engage 180 workers under a cash-for-work programme, with restoration tools provided.
At least 12 solar-powered water systems will be rehabilitated to support farming and livestock communities, particularly during the dry season. Water committees and technicians will also be trained to sustain the facilities.
Ikita said another component of the project would involve the rehabilitation of 150 food storage facilities, distribution of 500 hermetic storage bags and training for households on improved food storage practices to reduce post-harvest losses.
The intervention will also train farmers in climate-smart agriculture and support livelihood diversification for about 300 women.
Communities will receive training in hazard mapping, contingency planning and preparedness to help them respond to changing weather conditions.
Priority beneficiaries will include smallholder farmers, households dependent on grazing land, women and female-headed households, families with young children, youths participating in the cash-for-work programme, persons with disabilities and other highly vulnerable households.
Ikita said implementation would proceed through assessment and procurement, construction and land restoration, training and strengthening of community committees, followed by inspection, handover and project close-out within the 12-month period.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Malik Anas, described the intervention as timely and urged relevant ministries, departments and agencies to actively participate in its implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
He stressed the importance of grassroots monitoring and called on project personnel and stakeholders to maintain a strong presence in the beneficiary LGAs and properly document activities and outcomes.
Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Mohammed Bakori, also commended the initiative, while Chairman of Katsina Local Government Area, Hon. Isah Miqdad Sa’ude, expressed appreciation to the state government, Mercy Corps and KTDMB for selecting the beneficiary local governments.
The launch was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the State Executive Council; senior government officials; development partners; traditional rulers; local government chairmen; business leaders and other stakeholders.
