“How support, modern farming tools are helping us thrive, record greater gains” – Farmers
For years, rice farmers in several rural communities of Kano State battled a familiar cycle—back-breaking manual labour, massive post-harvest losses, low yields, and shrinking profits.
However, SolaceBase reports that in Bagwai, Danbatta, Bichi, and neighbouring LGAs, the story is beginning to change.
And for many farmers, the turning point came with the introduction of combined harvesters, modern milling technologies, and agro-processing centres provided through a program of the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), implemented by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA).
Today, these innovations are more than machines; they are lifelines reshaping livelihoods, expanding farmlands, and restoring dignity to rural households.
Mechanization changes the game
In Bagwai, Nura Sabi’u recalls the struggles that defined rice harvesting before KSADP’s intervention.
Manual harvesting meant hiring dozens of labourers, enduring long delays, and losing a significant portion of his yield to spoilage.
But six months after receiving a combine harvester, his story is completely different. Before, he said, “the losses we encountered were very high.” Now, losses have dropped to “not more than one out of 100.”
Read Also: Kano post-harvest losses drop by 51% under KSADP, SAA intervention
What used to require 60 men working all day is now done in just one hour, with the machine harvesting 50 to 60 bags of rice effortlessly.
The machine didn’t just change his farm—it created opportunities for others. Nura trained five unemployed young men: three to operate the machine and two to repair it if it breaks down.
The daily earnings range from N300,000 to N700,000 when working for other farmers. After paying drivers and fuel, the remaining income is carefully saved to sustain the operation.
Technology expands farmlands, income
For farmers in Danbatta, the combine harvester didn’t just reduce labour—it expanded possibilities.
A Farmer Ibrahim Abdullahi increased his rice cultivation from 6 hectares to 11 in a single season, doubling his productivity.
The machine also became a source of income, earning about N150,000 per hectare when hired out, with daily earnings ranging from N300,000 to N700,000.
He employs more than a dozen people, has trained two youths as machine drivers, and saves part of the income for maintenance while keeping the rest in their farmers’ association for future sustainability.
Empowering communities through agro-processing
Support from KSADP has also helped transform community-based enterprises. In Bagwai, a rice milling entrepreneur, Yahaya Umar expanded his business, empowered youths, purchased a car, and even performed the Hajj pilgrimage.
Similarly, a women’s group in Bichi LGA received a three-wheel multipurpose bike and training on modern farming techniques.
This intervention significantly boosted their yields. “In places where we used to get just 2 bags of grain, we now get about 15 bags,” one member said.
Training, support for sustainable enterprises
Engr. Sadiq Hammal, KSADP’s Program Officer for Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture, explained that the project focuses on strengthening existing processors while supporting individuals already in the trade.
KSADP has established 52 agro-processing centres, provided equipment such as rice polishers and destoners, and selected beneficiaries in a way that ensures sustainability.
Beneficiaries are trained to maintain the machinery, manage their enterprises, and offer discounted services to their group members and the wider community.
Hammal added that over 100 additional units of machinery have been acquired and will soon be distributed, expanding the network to at least 150 agro-processing enterprises across the state.
Saving time, reducing losses
Hammal emphasized the efficiency of mechanized harvesting compared to manual labour.
Ten men working manually require 24 to 36 hours to harvest a hectare, whereas a combine harvester can finish the task in 40 minutes.
Post-harvest losses also dropped from 5–7% to less than 2%. “It saves time, reduces drudgery, cuts losses, and improves overall yield,” he said.
Transforming Agricultural Landscape
Across Bagwai, Danbatta, Bichi, and other LGAs, KSADP’s interventions are delivering more than equipment—they are reshaping communities.
Youths are now employed, women expand businesses, and farmers produce more with less labour and fewer losses.
For many households, the project has improved productivity and opened doors to financial stability, education, and long-term growth.
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