The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme in Kano State has conducted a two-day sensitization programme for agricultural value chain actors aimed at strengthening agro-industrial development in the state.
A statement by Programme’s State Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Rabi Mustapha Sadiq said the event, held from July 8 to 9, 2026, at Jemys Plaza in Kano, brought together participants from four Local Government Areas — Minjibir, Kumbotso, Gabasawa and Dawakin Kudu.
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Also in attendance were key community stakeholders, including representatives of District Heads, Chief Imams, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and other community leaders.
Speaking during the programme, the Agro Productivity Enhancement Officer, Dr. Rabi’u Sani Shawai, provided an overview of the SAPZ initiative, highlighting its objectives, implementation strategy and expected benefits to farmers, agro-processors, traders and other actors along the value chain.
He noted that the programme is designed to boost agricultural productivity, enhance value addition and improve livelihoods through coordinated agro-industrial development.
Presentations by various SAPZ component heads further explained the programme’s interventions, implementation arrangements, safeguards and opportunities available to beneficiaries.
Participants also engaged in interactive sessions where they raised key challenges affecting agricultural production. These include limited access to certified seeds, inadequate technical knowledge on improved farming practices, the prevalence of rice blast disease, delays in input distribution and other safeguard concerns.
The issues raised were documented and submitted to the State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU) for necessary action.
At the close of the programme, community leaders commended the SAPZ initiative for involving local stakeholders and urged participants to actively engage and utilise the knowledge gained to improve productivity.
The sensitization exercise is part of SAPZ’s broader effort to promote inclusive participation, strengthen agricultural value chains and support sustainable agro-industrial development in Kano State.
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