From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
To mark the 2026 celebration of International Year of Woman Farmer (IYWF), the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative in Kano state has presented awards to seven outstanding women farmers, processors, agripreneurs and community leaders who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, leadership and excellence.
The SAPZ programme was implemented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), African Development Bank (AfDB), Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with state governments and private investors in 6 states namely: Kano, Imo, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara,l, Ogun, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the first phase.
SAPZ is a comprehensive agro-industrialization program designed as a tool for creating integrated, agricultural-focused platforms that will accelerate private sector investment in value added agro- processing to unlock opportunities for improved food security, job creation, import substitution, rural poverty reduction and increased contribution of agriculture to national GDP.
In Kano, the programme has targeted 16 Local Government areas such as Bebeji, Bagwai, Kura, Gezawa, G/Mallam, Bichi, Danbatta, Dawakin Kudu, Kumbotso, Tofa, Gwarzo, Madobi, Shanono Minjibir, Madobi and Gabasawa.
Part of the programme was the celebration of the IYWF, which took place at Armani Event Centre in Kano on Saturday, where the outstanding women were recognized.
The award categories include Best Woman Agricultural Producer (Rice, Tomato & Groundnut), Youth Agripreneur Champion, Nutrition- Sensitive Agriculture Champion and Climate-Smart Agriculture Champion.
Others include Digital Agriculture and Digital Services Champion, Women Farmer Organization Leadership Champion and Innovation & Technology Champion and Best Woman in Exceptional Leadership.
Speaking at the event, the Kano state SAPZ Programme Coordinator, Aminu Ilyasu said the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, dedication and achievements of women farmers.
According to him, the occasion was organized to recognize the women’s indispensable contributions to food security, nutrition, rural livelihoods, economic growth, climate resilience and the transformation of agrifood systems.
“Across Kano State and Nigeria, women play vital roles throughout the agricultural value chain-from production and processing to value addition, marketing. agribusiness and household nutrition.
“ Yet, despite these remarkable contributions, many women continue to face significant barriers in accessing land, finance, improved technologies, quality inputs, markets, extension services and leadership opportunities.
“ Addressing these challenges is essential if we are to build an inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector,” he said.
Iliyasu therefore called on government institutions, development partners, financial institutions, the private sector, farmer organizations and community leaders to continue investing in women-led agrifood enterprises and to promote policies and programmes that ensure women participate meaningfully in agricultural development and decision-making.
In her remarks, Rabi Mustapha Sadiq, the SAPZ’s Knowledge Management and Communication (KMC) Officer, stated that the awardees were recognized for demonstrable contributions to advancing women’s leadership, empowerment and more equitable household and community relationships.
The selection of champions, according to her, “was based on transparent criteria and evidence of achievement, innovation, leadership, impact and contribution to women’s empowerment,” she disclosed.
She added that the awardees would also serve as role models whose experiences could inspire other women farmers and entrepreneurs throughout the year.
Also speaking, Mujiba Kabir Yahaya, the
State Rural Institutions Development Officer for SAPZ project program in Kano, said over 15,000 men and women farmers, including people with special needs have benefitted from the programme in the state.
According to her, the programme has profiled 50 percent women and men, while youth represented 40 percent and people with disabilities got 5 percent.
“We are just celebrating women today because it is the international year of the women farmer.
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