Journalists with Himma Radio and Television have received specialized training on investigative reporting in agriculture and rural development, aimed at strengthening accountability journalism and improving coverage of issues affecting rural communities.
The training, facilitated by the Publisher of SolaceBase on Monday, in Kano, Malam Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, focused on equipping participants with practical skills to produce evidence-based reports that go beyond official statements to examine the real impact of agricultural policies and interventions on farmers.
Speaking during the session, Abdullateef emphasized that agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most critical sectors, supporting food production, employment and rural livelihoods. However, he noted that many agricultural stories are still reported through government announcements and project launches without investigating whether the promised benefits actually reach the intended beneficiaries.
He urged journalists to embrace investigative reporting by following government promises, tracking public resources and engaging directly with rural communities to uncover hidden stories and promote accountability.
According to him, journalists have a crucial role in addressing challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, poor implementation of agricultural policies and persistent rural poverty through factual, balanced and solution-oriented reporting.
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The facilitator explained that effective agricultural journalism should examine whether public projects and interventions deliver measurable results, rather than simply reporting official activities.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Himma Radio and Television, Alhaji Yusuf Ismail Makwarari, said the training reflects the station’s commitment to strengthening agricultural journalism and ensuring that rural communities receive accurate, evidence-based information that supports agricultural productivity and sustainable development.
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Makwarari noted that, as a station dedicated to serving farmers and rural communities, Himma Radio has a responsibility to go beyond reporting official activities by producing investigative stories that examine the impact of agricultural policies, climate change, extension services and government interventions on the lives of farmers.
He said the partnership with SolaceBase would equip the station’s journalists with practical investigative reporting skills to monitor agricultural programmes, amplify the voices of rural communities and promote accountability in the implementation of projects aimed at improving food security and rural livelihoods.
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According to him, quality agricultural reporting can bridge the information gap between policymakers, development partners and farmers by highlighting both the successes and challenges within the sector, ultimately contributing to improved agricultural production and inclusive rural development.
Makwarari expressed appreciation to SolaceBase and its Publisher, Alhaji Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, for facilitating the training, saying the knowledge acquired would strengthen the station’s capacity to produce impactful stories that inform, educate and empower farming communities across Kano State and beyond.
Saudat Idris Abdullahi, one of the participants, described the workshop as timely, noting that the knowledge acquired would enhance their capacity to deliver in-depth, people-centred reports on agriculture and development issues affecting communities across Nigeria.
