Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi Launch Soil Health Initiative

Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi states have established coordination mechanisms to implement the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), aimed at improving soil fertility and agricultural productivity. This initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) through its Department of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, promotes evidence-based soil management.

Recent workshops in these states gathered government institutions, researchers, farmer organizations, private-sector actors, and development partners to adapt the scheme to local agricultural realities. Stakeholders advocated for site-specific soil management and the use of Soil Health Cards for tailored recommendations.

In Kano, synergies with existing initiatives, such as tree planting and local compost development, were identified. Jigawa's workshop released educational materials in Hausa and integrated women farmers into the State Technical Executive Committee.

Bauchi's Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, reaffirmed the state's commitment to the NFSHS. The workshops resulted in the formation of State Technical Executive Committees and Coalitions of the Willing to ensure effective implementation.