The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano (BUK), on Tuesday distributed improved seeds to farmers from 22 adopted communities and showcased research innovations aimed at improving agricultural productivity and resilience in dryland regions across Africa.
SolaceBase reports that the intervention formed part of activities marking the 4th Open Day of the CDA.
The event brought together researchers, farmers, policymakers, development partners, seed companies, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discuss solutions to agricultural challenges in Africa’s dryland regions
The intervention formed part of activities marking the 4th Open Day of the CDA, organised in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the World Bank.
The event brought together researchers, farmers, policymakers, development partners, seed companies, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to explore solutions to challenges confronting agriculture in Africa’s dryland areas.
Speaking on behalf of the BUK Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Ahmad Muhammad, said the achievements recorded by the CDA demonstrate the critical role universities can play in addressing societal challenges.
He said the university was proud of the centre’s accomplishments, noting that since its establishment under the Africa Centres of Excellence initiative, the CDA has evolved into a leading hub for research, innovation, capacity building and technology transfer in dryland agriculture.
“Today, ladies and gentlemen, we celebrate not only the achievements of the centre but also our collective efforts towards addressing challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, environmental degradation, unemployment and poverty,” he said.
According to him, the centre’s activities have contributed significantly to developing skilled manpower and generating practical solutions capable of improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods across the continent.
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Professor Ahmad said the CDA’s success in attracting students and researchers from more than 15 African countries has enhanced BUK’s international visibility and academic reputation.
He also commended the centre for sustaining its activities beyond the conclusion of the Africa Centres of Excellence funding programme, attributing the achievement to the strong institutional foundation, human capacity and expertise developed over the years.
The DVC further praised the centre’s work on improved crop varieties, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming practices and agricultural value chains, describing the distribution of improved seeds to farmers as a practical demonstration of how university research can directly improve lives and strengthen ties with surrounding communities.
“The university management is really pleased with this very notable effort and we assure you of our support toward promoting that particular noble initiative,” he added.
Earlier, the Director of the CDA, Professor Sunusi Muhammad Gaya, said the Open Day serves as a strategic platform for interaction among researchers, farmers, policymakers, development partners and industry actors.
He explained that the event enables the centre to showcase the impact of its research activities while strengthening the link between scientific discoveries and practical solutions for farmers and rural communities.
“Today’s event is more than just an annual gathering; it is a strategic platform that brings together researchers, farmers, policymakers, development partners, industry partners, seed companies, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain,” he said.
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Professor Gaya noted that since its establishment in 2012, the CDA has remained committed to improving livelihoods, enhancing resilience and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources in dryland regions through research, innovation and capacity building.
He said one of the centre’s most impactful initiatives is its partnership with 22 adopted communities located within a 20-kilometre radius of the university, where farmers receive improved crop varieties, technical support and training on modern agricultural practices.
According to him, the improved seeds distributed during the event are intended to boost productivity, strengthen food systems, increase household incomes and help communities adapt to the growing effects of climate change.
The director also disclosed that the centre has trained and mentored farmers on seed production techniques and quality assurance measures, leading to the certification of three farmer groups by the National Agricultural Seed Council to produce certified seeds for commercial purposes.
“Through this initiative, farmers are empowered not only to produce sufficient seed for their communities but also to participate in commercial seed production and businesses,” he said.
Professor Gaya further revealed that the CDA, in collaboration with the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) and the Faculty of Agriculture, recently launched a two-year project known as Skills Improvement to Boost Livelihood and Natural Growth to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills among agricultural graduates.
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