Why Zamfara Must Prioritise Agricultural Development

Zamfara State has significant agricultural potential that, if properly harnessed, could boost economic growth, create jobs, improve food security and reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocations. 

Governor Dauda Lawal should, therefore, consider declaring a state of emergency in the agricultural sector to accelerate its development.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that global trade in agricultural products exceeded $2 trillion in 2024. Meanwhile, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) projects that Africa will account for 15.6 per cent of the growth in global agricultural production in the near future. These figures highlight the enormous opportunities available to countries and regions willing to invest strategically in agriculture.

Governor Lawal has demonstrated a willingness to respond to the concerns of the people of Zamfara State through interventions in critical sectors. His administration has pursued infrastructure development, including road construction, as well as initiatives in aviation and mining.

However, agriculture deserves comparable attention because of its potential to transform livelihoods, strengthen rural communities and stimulate economic development.

On November 14, 2023, the governor declared a state of emergency in education. Similarly, following an unscheduled visit to hospitals in Gusau, the state capital, on January 28, 2024, he declared a state of emergency in the health sector. These interventions underscored the administration’s recognition of the need for urgent action in essential public services.

A similar commitment to agriculture could help unlock Zamfara’s considerable economic potential. Such a declaration should not merely be symbolic; it must be accompanied by a clear policy framework, adequate funding, measurable targets and effective implementation.

Zamfara reportedly has more than 1.5 million hectares of farmland, yet the level of mechanisation remains low, with less than 10 per cent of the land cultivated using machinery, according to the figures cited in this appeal. This gap represents a major opportunity to increase productivity through modern farming methods, improved infrastructure and better access to agricultural inputs.

A comprehensive agricultural intervention could help diversify the state’s revenue base, reduce its dependence on Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements, create employment opportunities and improve the availability of food. It could also strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to efforts to address the economic vulnerabilities associated with insecurity.

To achieve these objectives, the state government should prioritise the timely provision of quality fertilisers, improved seeds, crop-protection chemicals and other essential inputs. Farmers should also have access to affordable credit, grants where appropriate, extension services and practical training in modern agricultural techniques.

Dry-season farming also requires urgent attention. Investment in irrigation facilities, water-management systems and other supporting infrastructure would enable farmers to cultivate crops beyond the rainy season, increase annual output and improve their incomes.

**The most critical priority, however, should be the modernisation of agriculture.**

The government should develop a strategy for promoting smart farming, mechanisation and technology-driven agricultural practices suited to Zamfara’s climatic conditions and the needs of local farmers. Such an approach could include precision irrigation, improved soil management, weather information services, appropriate farm machinery and digital platforms that connect farmers to markets and agricultural advice.

Modern farming should not be viewed simply as a way to produce more on smaller plots of land. Its broader benefits include reducing post-harvest losses, improving resource efficiency, strengthening climate resilience and increasing the quality and marketability of agricultural products.

States such as Nasarawa, Kano, Ogun, Lagos and Niger have pursued different agricultural modernisation initiatives. Zamfara should study relevant experiences and adapt proven approaches to its own circumstances rather than allow its agricultural potential to remain underutilised.

The state also has opportunities to draw on local expertise and established research institutions. Agricultural specialists, extension workers and researchers should be involved in developing practical solutions for farmers. Institutions such as the agricultural colleges and research facilities associated with Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria could provide valuable technical support, alongside other relevant institutions.

Furthermore, the government should explore partnerships with countries that have developed expertise in agricultural technology, irrigation, mechanisation and commercial farming, including Brazil, the Netherlands and China. Such partnerships could facilitate knowledge transfer, technical training, investment and access to appropriate technologies.

For these initiatives to succeed, the government must also address challenges affecting farmers’ access to farmland, rural roads, storage facilities, processing centres and markets. Agricultural policies should be designed in consultation with farmers, cooperatives, private investors and local communities to ensure that public spending produces tangible results.

Accountability will be equally important. A state of emergency in agriculture should be supported by a transparent implementation plan, clear performance indicators and regular public reporting on expenditure, cultivated land, crop yields, jobs created and support delivered to farmers.

Governor Lawal, Zamfara has a long-standing agricultural heritage and the human and natural resources needed to rebuild the sector. What is required is a sustained commitment to making agriculture a central pillar of the state’s development agenda.

Declaring a state of emergency in agriculture would send a strong signal that the government recognises both the urgency of the challenges and the scale of the opportunities. More importantly, it could lay the foundation for a more productive, resilient and economically diversified Zamfara State.

The time has come to give agriculture the priority it deserves.

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