Zamfara Farmers, Communities Trained in Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilience

Gusau, Zamfara State – In an effort to bolster agricultural resilience against changing climate patterns, farmers and community members across Gusau Local Government Area in Zamfara State have participated in a training program focused on climate-smart agriculture.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Zamfara State Agro Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project and the Health Standard Concern Organisation (HESCO), took place on Thursday at the Gusau local government council secretariat.

Participants were drawn from eleven wards within Gusau LGA, representing a diverse group including women farmers, various farmers’ associations, and community representatives. Mansur Iliyasu, the social mobilization officer for HESCO, highlighted the broad representation and urged attendees to disseminate the knowledge gained within their respective communities to create a wider impact.

Speaking on behalf of the state ACReSAL project coordinator, Nasiruddeen Bello, represented by communication officer Lawal Jibril, the importance of adopting climate-smart practices for both farmers and the wider community was emphasized. The ACReSAL project reiterated its dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural methods within the state.

Dr. Ahmed Hashim of HESCO delivered a key lecture, explaining the training as part of HESCO’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable development and enhancing community well-being in the project areas. Dr. Hashim specifically addressed participants, including local government officials, on the detrimental environmental effects of bush burning.

The Gusau local government council chairman, represented by the Director of Agriculture, acknowledged the significant efforts of ACReSAL and HESCO in selecting and training community members and farmers from the area. The council representative expressed appreciation for the organizations’ commitment to improving agricultural practices in the locality.

The training aims to equip local stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and techniques to adapt to climate variability, improve productivity sustainably, and build more resilient livelihoods in Zamfara’s semi-arid landscape.