Soil Values and the Centre for Dryland Agriculture of Bayero University Kano have trained farmers in Kano and Jigawa states to restore soil fertility and improve cowpea yields.

In a statement, the groups stated that they organised a field day on Integrated Soil Fertility Management to equip smallholder farmers with practical techniques to rejuvenate degraded soils.

Farmers witnessed firsthand the impact of different soil management methods in Takai, a dry area in Kano State. Four demonstration plots were set up on the farm of Ahmad Isa Falali, showcasing traditional practices, inorganic fertilisers, organic fertilisers and the ISFM approach.

Falali said, “This training has changed the way I produce cowpea. Learning how to make compost, recycle residues and adjust nutrient levels has turned the ISFM plot into an ‘open-air classroom’ for me.”

Representing the CDA Director of Research, Dr Bassam Abdulrahman described the Field Day as part of the Soil Values project, funded by the Government of the Netherlands for ten years. The initiative aims to improve land use in Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi states through beneficiary training.

A woman farmer, Rayya Abdullahi, said the sessions had boosted her confidence to manage soil effectively. “I now have the confidence needed to properly manage the soil, and I intend to share this knowledge with other women in my group,” she said.

Speaking on the programme, Arogunyo explained that it is implemented by three main partners, the International Fertiliser Development Centre, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and Wageningen University & Research, with five scientific partners, including IITA, AGRA, ICRAF, ISRIC and IWMI.

“The essence of the programme is to reduce the yield gap, improve soil fertility, and encourage farmers to give back to the soil to ensure long-term productivity and food security,” he said.

The Soil Values programme operates in Sahelian regions facing climatic and socioeconomic challenges such as droughts, desertification and climate change. With a €100m budget, it seeks to restore two million hectares of degraded land across Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and northern Nigeria, while strengthening the resilience of 1.5 million farmers, with a focus on women and youth.

The programme noted that in Nigeria, 800,000 hectares are expected to be restored, directly benefiting 600,000 smallholder farmers.