Jigawa State has entered a new partnership with the Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) to strengthen climate-smart rice production and accelerate agricultural transformation across the state.
The agreement was formalized on Thursday in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, where the Director General of the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), Dr. Saifullahi Umar, and the Director General of AfricaRice, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of their institutions. Governor Malam Umar Namadi led the Jigawa delegation to the meeting.
Read Also: We’re turning farmers into entrepreneurs — Jigawa Governor
Read Also: SURVEY: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina Farmers Decry Low Food Prices Amid Bumper Harvests
Governor Namadi said the partnership is a key step in building a modern and competitive rice sector that aligns with the state’s agricultural renewal agenda.
He said the collaboration will help farmers access improved technologies, resilient seed varieties, and modern production techniques needed to position Jigawa as a leading rice-producing hub.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Hamisu Gumel said key areas covered in the MoU include:
Development of improved, climate-resilient rice varieties suited to Jigawa’s agro-ecological zones.
Adoption of climate-smart production technologies to boost yields and conserve natural resources.
Improving post-harvest handling and value addition to reduce losses and enhance market competitiveness.
Capacity development and the use of digital agriculture tools to improve farm management and support extension services.
Dr. Saifullahi Umar described the MoU as a significant milestone that will fast-track Jigawa’s transition to modern and mechanized agriculture.
“This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of rice self-sufficiency. The support from AfricaRice will expose our farmers to advanced technologies and practical training that will drive long-term sustainability,” he said.
AfricaRice Director General, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting African governments in scaling innovations that improve rice productivity.
He said AfricaRice is eager to work with Jigawa State to design and implement interventions that will deliver measurable improvements across the rice value chain.
Work is expected to begin immediately as both sides initiate planning sessions and prepare for adaptive field trials in selected ecological zones across the state.
AfricaRice, established in 1971 and headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, is a leading pan-African research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and enhancing food security through innovation in rice science and partnerships.
 to strengthen climate-smart rice production and accelera){kind=link}