Improved seeds are transforming Nigerian farmers’ yields and incomes, as demonstrated by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA). The introduction of superior seed varieties for crops like sorghum and groundnut has revolutionized farming practices, resulting in a significant boost in productivity and farmers’ livelihoods.
At the recent Farmers’ Field Day in Tofa Local Government, farmers from 22 communities that have adopted CDA’s innovations shared their remarkable success stories. These farmers have witnessed an impressive increase in crop yields, with some reporting yields that have doubled or even tripled compared to previous harvests.
CDA, a key partner in the AVISA project and the African Dryland Crop Improvement Network (ADCIN), plays an essential role in the development and distribution of improved seed varieties. The initiative focuses on selecting and multiplying superior seed varieties that are well-suited for dryland farming systems, ensuring that agricultural practices remain sustainable and productive. CDA’s commitment to improving crop yields through research is central to enhancing the food security and livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa.
The AVISA project, funded by the Gates Foundation, aims to enhance food security and resilience for small-scale producers and consumers in dryland regions of West and Central Africa. Countries such as Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Mali, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger are all part of this regional initiative, which works to increase the productivity, profitability, and marketability of dryland crops like sorghum, millet, groundnut, cowpea, and beans. By modernizing crop breeding and fostering public-private partnerships, AVISA helps to ensure that farmers are better equipped to meet the challenges of dryland farming.
ADCIN, a collaborative platform established in 2023 by CIMMYT through its Dryland Crops Program (DCP), brings together over 200 scientists from more than 17 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Its mission is to accelerate the development of resilient, high-yielding crop varieties and ensure their accessibility to farmers. By leveraging the collective expertise of its members, ADCIN is working to transform dryland agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the continent.
Farmers who have adopted CDA’s improved seed varieties are already seeing the benefits. Faruk Haruna, one such farmer, shared how his millet yield had soared from 15–20 bundles to an impressive 52 bundles—an increase of 200%. He jokingly referred to CDA as the “Cash Development Association” because of the financial gains he has experienced.
Nasiru Yusuf, another farmer, reported a similar success story, with his sorghum yield increasing by approximately 400%. The improved sorghum seeds have enabled him to significantly boost his income, showcasing the transformative impact of CDA’s work.
Women farmers have also benefited from CDA’s innovations. Amina Habibu and Nafisatu Auwalu, both women farmers, explained how CDA’s training programs and improved seeds have empowered them and many other women in farming communities. Through these initiatives, women farmers have gained access to better agricultural practices, resulting in increased productivity and income.
CDA’s commitment to improving farming practices through research and training has been widely acknowledged. Prof. Sanusi Gaya Mohammed, Deputy Director of Training at CDA, emphasized the center’s role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices. He noted that CDA’s field days provide farmers with an opportunity to interact directly with researchers and gain valuable insights into the latest agricultural techniques.
Professor Amina Mustapha, the Deputy Director of Outreach and Publications, echoed these sentiments, expressing her satisfaction with the progress made by farmers. She emphasized that the field day was a chance for farmers to enhance their understanding of best practices and further improve their farming systems.
Dr. Hakeem Ajiegbe, a senior researcher at CDA, underscored the importance of adopting modern farming practices to increase yield. He highlighted that global farming methods are constantly evolving, and for farmers to succeed, they must embrace these changes.
The district head of Tofa Local Government, Alhaji Sunusi Abubakar Tofa, also commended CDA for its impact on the local farming communities. He urged farmers to continue adopting the innovations promoted by CDA, ensuring long-term sustainability in food production and agricultural practices.
