…begins media field days in Benue
The Benue State Government, through the Benue State Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation (BNARDA), has reaffirmed its partnership with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) – Nigeria to support local farmers and expand agricultural production across the state.
This commitment was made during the commencement of the SAA-NIG Media Field Days in the State.
The initiative provides journalists and stakeholders direct access to assess SAA’s three-year interventions with local smallholders, under the SAA-NG country office programme, funded by the NIPPON Foundation of Japan.
Speaking during a courtesy visit on Monday, BNARDA Acting Director-General Mrs. Dooshima Zaki lauded SAA’s efforts, noting that agriculture remains a top priority of the Governor Hyacinth Alia administration.
”This is a welcome development for Benue because it highlights the work the Sasakawa team is doing here.Your presence is a strong asset to the State,”Mrs. Zaki said.
She explained that the State government was aligning its policies with SAA’s programs to increase farmer productivity.
”The state government is deeply committed to agriculture because it is the quickest path to economic growth for Benue. We intend to partner with you on projects that directly support our farmers,”she noted.
Addressing safety during rural field exercises, Mrs. Zaki assured the media delegation and SAA’s team of a secure environment, stating that all project locations remain peaceful and accessible.
Representing SAA-Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, Technical Coordinator, Climate -Resilient and Sustainable Agrifoor Systems, Mr. Nathaniel Otene explained that the tour was designed to provide independent verification of SAA’s work.
”Beyond sharing our own reports, it is important for journalists to interact directly with farmers and hear firsthand how these programs impact their livelihoods,” Otene said.
Otene outlined SAA’s strategy in Benue, which centers on three main focus areas: sustainable agriculture; promoting regenerative farming techniques to boost yields while preserving soil health.
He added that cultivating biofortified crops enriched with essential micronutrients to address dietary needs alongside food supply and helping smallholder farmers transition from subsistence farming to commercial enterprises remain key for the initiative.
”We have built a system that covers the entire value chain from production and nutrition to securing profitable markets for farmers,” Otene said, adding that SAA has enjoyed strong support from BNARDA.
During the tour, the media delegation will visit field demonstration plots, processing hubs, and community farming groups across the Gwer, Gboko, and Buruku Local Government Areas to evaluate modern farming practices and farmer livelihoods firsthand.
