The Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, has distributed 2.85 tonnes of improved seed varieties to farmers from 22 adopted communities and 5 other seed producing communities as part of efforts to boost food production, strengthen livelihoods, and enhance climate resilience in Northern Nigeria.
The distribution took place during the Centre's 4th Open Day held on Tuesday, 9th June, 2026, an annual event that brings together farmers, policymakers, researchers, development partners, agro-industrial firms, and other stakeholders to showcase innovations, share knowledge, and strengthen collaboration in agricultural development.
The improved seeds distributed included cowpea, maize, millet, sorghum, soybean, and rice. In addition to farmers from the adopted communities, junior staff from the Faculties of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences, as well as the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, also benefited from the intervention aimed at promoting household food production.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, fsi, described the Open Day as a strategic platform that bridges the gap between research and practice by connecting scientists, farmers, policymakers, and private-sector actors.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni, the Vice-Chancellor said the event provided opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify emerging challenges, and develop practical solutions capable of improving agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable development across Africa.
He noted that Bayero University remains proud of the achievements of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, which has established itself as a leading hub for research, innovation, capacity building, and technology transfer in dryland agriculture under the Africa Centres of Excellence initiative.
According to him, the Centre's research on improved crop varieties, climate-smart agriculture, soil health management, sustainable farming systems, and agricultural value chains continues to generate solutions capable of transforming agriculture in dryland regions.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Professor Sanusi Gaya Mohammed, said the Open Day offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the impact of the Centre's research and strengthen the connection between scientific discoveries and practical solutions that improve the lives of farmers and rural communities.
"We are pleased to sustain this tradition through the distribution of improved seeds to farmers from our adopted communities. This intervention is designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve household incomes, strengthen food systems, and enhance the ability of farming communities to cope with the effects of climate variability and climate change," he said.
Professor Mohammed emphasized that addressing food insecurity and agricultural challenges requires collective action, adding that the Centre remains committed to building strategic partnerships with local and international organizations working to advance agricultural development and food security.
The event attracted several key development partners and stakeholders, including the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Indorama Fertilizer Company, and the Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), all of whom delivered goodwill messages.
A major highlight of the Open Day was the research and innovation exhibition, where agro-allied companies showcased a wide range of agricultural products, technologies, and services. Participating exhibitors included Jubaili Agrotec, Premier Seeds, Afri-Agri Products Limited, Halilco Foods, Syngenta, Nina's Associates, and several others.
L'Excellence, the agribusiness company established by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, also displayed a variety of farm produce, including mangoes, onions, tomatoes, and other agricultural products, demonstrating the Centre's commitment to research commercialization and sustainability.
Farmers who benefited from the seed distribution expressed appreciation to the Centre, noting that CDA's interventions have consistently improved their farming practices through practical training, access to improved seed varieties, and modern agricultural techniques. According to them, the support has significantly increased productivity, improved yields, and strengthened food security within their communities.
Another highlight of the event was the distribution of agricultural inputs by the YAS Project to its graduating beneficiaries, all of whom are students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano. The initiative is aimed at promoting agribusiness entrepreneurship among young people and empowering graduates with the resources needed to establish and sustain agricultural enterprises.